Apparatus and method for acquisition of system information in wireless communications

ABSTRACT

A wireless terminal communicates over a radio interface with a radio access node of a radio access network (RAN). The wireless terminal comprises receiver circuitry and processor circuitry. The receiver circuitry is configured to receive system information (SI) from the radio access node. The processor circuitry configured to perform an SI message acquisition process to acquire the system information, and terminate the SI message acquisition process after attempting SI message acquisition in accordance with configured information. The configured information may be a first number of modification periods or a prescribed number of transmission opportunities.

This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. provisionalapplication 62/685,541, filed Jun. 15, 2018, entitled “APPARATUS ANDMETHOD FOR ACQUISITION OF SYSTEM INFORMATION IN WIRELESSCOMMUNICATIONS”, and is a continuation of PCT Patent ApplicationPCT/US2019/036669 filed Jun. 12, 2019, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODFOR ACQUISITION OF SYSTEM INFORMATION IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS”, bothof which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology relates to wireless communications, and particularly tomethods, apparatus, and techniques for requesting, transmitting,updating, and using system information (SI) in wireless communications.

BACKGROUND

In wireless communication systems, a radio access network generallycomprises one or more access nodes (such as a base station) whichcommunicate on radio channels over a radio or air interface with pluralwireless terminals. In some technologies such a wireless terminal isalso called a User Equipment (UE). A group known as the 3rd GenerationPartnership Project (“3GPP”) has undertaken to define globallyapplicable technical specifications and technical reports for presentand future generation wireless communication systems. The 3GPP Long TermEvolution (“LTE”) and 3GPP LTE Advanced (LTE-A) are projects to improvean earlier Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (“UMTS”) mobilephone or device standard in a manner to cope with future requirements.

In typical cellular mobile communication systems, the base stationbroadcasts on the radio channels certain information which is requiredfor mobile stations to access to the network. In Long-Term Evolution(LTE) and LTE Advanced (LTE-A), such information is called “systeminformation” (“SI”). Each access node, such as an evolved NodeB (“eNB”),or a gNodeB or gNB in the 5G New Radio (NR) System, broadcasts suchsystem information to its coverage area via a Master Information Block(MIB) and several System Information Blocks (SIBs) on downlink radioresources allocated to the access node.

A wireless terminal (“UE”), after entering a coverage area of an eNB orgNB, is required to obtain all the MIB/SIBs which are necessary toaccess to the system. For sake of UEs under coverage, the eNB or gNBperiodically broadcasts all MIB/SIBs relevant for offered services,where each type of MIB or SIBs is transmitted in a designated radioresource(s) with its own pre-determined/configurable frequency.

This all-broadcast-based periodic delivery method (e.g., collectivebroadcast of all SIBs, not just those necessary for system access) isefficient under a condition where many UEs are almost always flowinginto the coverage area (such as a macro cell). However, this approachmay result in wasting valuable radio resources in case of small celldeployment. Therefore, more efficient methods of SIB transmission aredesired.

What is needed, therefore, and an example object of the technologydisclosed herein, are methods, apparatus, and techniques for obtainingand/or updating SIBs including controlling timing of an SI messageacquisition process.

SUMMARY

In one of its example aspects, the technology disclosed herein concernsa wireless terminal that communicates over a radio interface with aradio access node of a radio access network (RAN). The wireless terminalcomprises receiver circuitry and processor circuitry. The receivercircuitry is configured to receive a first type system information (SI)block (SIB). The first type SIB comprises availability and schedulinginformation of SI message(s), each of the SI message(s) comprising atleast one second type SIB; an indication of a delivery mode for each ofthe SI message(s), the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demandbasis, and; a number of transmission opportunities allowed for an SImessage acquisition process to acquire an SI message. The processorcircuitry is configured to perform the SI message acquisition process,wherein the SI message acquisition process is terminated after thenumber of transmission opportunities consumed for the SI messageacquisition process without a successful reception of the SI message.Another aspect of the technology disclosed herein concerns a method ofoperation of such wireless terminal.

In another of its example aspects the technology disclosed hereinconcerns a radio access node of a radio access network (RAN) thatcommunicates over a radio interface with a wireless terminal. The radioaccess node comprises transmitter circuitry and processor circuitry. Thetransmitter circuitry is configured to transmit a first type systeminformation (SI) block (SIB). The first type SIB comprises availabilityand scheduling information of SI message(s), each of the SI message(s)comprising at least one second type SIB; an indication of a deliverymode for each of the SI message(s), the delivery mode being eitherbroadcast or on-demand basis, and; a number of transmissionopportunities allowed for an SI message acquisition process to acquirean SI message. The processor circuitry is configured to generate an SImessage. The transmitter circuitry is further configured to transmit theSI message based on the indication of the delivery mode for the SImessage and the number of transmission opportunities, wherein the numberof transmission opportunities indicates the maximum number oftransmission opportunities that the wireless terminal can use for the SImessage acquisition process. Another example aspect of the technologydisclosed herein concerns method of operating such access node.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of thetechnology disclosed herein will be apparent from the following moreparticular description of preferred embodiments as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which reference characters refer to the sameparts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily toscale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles ofthe technology disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing transition states of a RadioResource Control RRC state machine.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example generic communicationssystem comprising a radio access node and a wireless terminal, whereinthe wireless terminal requests, and the radio access node provides,Other system information (Other SI) when the wireless terminal is in aRRC_CONNECTED state.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing example, basic example acts or stepsperformed by a wireless terminal of the example generic communicationssystem of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4-FIG. 7 are diagrammatic views illustrating differing exampleformats of a system information block (SIB) which comprises Minimal SIand which carries availability of Other system information (Other SI).

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary message flow ofon-demand based SI acquisition procedure.

FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C are diagrammatic views illustrating threeoptions for an SI request procedure.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view showing, e.g., a SystemInformationRequestmessage wherein a siRequest information element comprises a bit map.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary message flow ofperiodic broadcast based SI acquisition procedure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an example generic communicationssystem comprising a wireless terminal configured to detect failure of aSI reception process involving an on-demand SI message, following asuccessful completion of an SI request.

FIG. 13A-FIG. 13D are diagrammatic view of differing implementations ofSIB1 which comprise termination condition parameters.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary message flowincluding an on-demand based SI acquisition procedure which fails.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the wireless terminal of FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the access node of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17A is a diagrammatic view of a system information acquisitionfailure detector which comprises a SI window counter for making adetermination of SI message acquisition process termination.

FIG. 17B is a diagrammatic view of a system information acquisitionfailure detector which comprises a SI message acquisition process timerfor making a determination of SI message acquisition processtermination.

FIG. 18A is a diagrammatic view showing a common termination conditionfor plural SI messages.

FIG. 18B is a diagrammatic view showing different termination conditionsfor different SI messages.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing an example generic communicationssystem comprising a wireless terminal configured to detect failure of aSI reception process involving a periodically broadcasted SI message.

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary message flowincluding a failed SI acquisition procedure for a periodicallybroadcasted SI message.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the wireless terminal of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the access node of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing an example communications systemcomprising a radio access node and a wireless terminal, wherein thewireless terminal terminates a SI message acquisition process based on anumber of modification periods.

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic view of a series of modification periods andshowing generation and transmission of system information windowsthrough plural modification periods.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the wireless terminal of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the access node of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a schematic view showing an example communications systemcomprising a radio access node and a wireless terminal, wherein thewireless terminal uses both first type system information and secondtime system information and terminates a SI message acquisition processfor the second type system information based on a number of modificationperiods.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view showing an example communications systemcomprising a radio access node and a wireless terminal, wherein thewireless terminal is required to wait an offset value of time beforestarting an SI message acquisition process.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the wireless terminal of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the access node of FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary message flowincluding for the communications system of FIG. 28.

FIG. 32 is a schematic view showing an example communications systemcomprising a radio access node and a wireless terminal, wherein thewireless terminal terminates a SI message acquisition process based on anumber of transmission opportunities.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the wireless terminal of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the access node of FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is a schematic view showing an example communications systemwhich is a special case of the system of FIG. 32.

FIG. 36A-FIG. 36B are diagrammatic views showing example scenarios ofperforming a system information message acquisition process whentransmission opportunities are system information windows.

FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic view showing an example scenario of performinga system information message acquisition process when transmissionopportunities are modification periods.

FIG. 38 is a diagrammatic view showing example electronic machinerywhich may comprise node electronic machinery or terminal electronicmachinery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and notlimitation, specific details are set forth such as particulararchitectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide athorough understanding of the technology disclosed herein. However, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art that the technologydisclosed herein may be practiced in other embodiments that depart fromthese specific details. That is, those skilled in the art will be ableto devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly describedor shown herein, embody the principles of the technology disclosedherein and are included within its spirit and scope. In some instances,detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods areomitted so as not to obscure the description of the technology disclosedherein with unnecessary detail. All statements herein recitingprinciples, aspects, and embodiments of the technology disclosed herein,as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass bothstructural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it isintended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalentsas well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elementsdeveloped that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat block diagrams herein can represent conceptual views ofillustrative circuitry or other functional units embodying theprinciples of the technology. Similarly, it will be appreciated that anyflow charts, state transition diagrams, pseudocode, and the likerepresent various processes which may be substantially represented incomputer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor,whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

As used herein, the term “core network” can refer to a device, group ofdevices, or sub-system in a telecommunication network that providesservices to users of the telecommunications network. Examples ofservices provided by a core network include aggregation, authentication,call switching, service invocation, gateways to other networks, etc.

As used herein, the term “wireless terminal” can refer to any electronicdevice used to communicate voice and/or data via a telecommunicationssystem, such as (but not limited to) a cellular network. Otherterminology used to refer to wireless terminals and non-limitingexamples of such devices can include user equipment terminal, UE, mobilestation, mobile device, access terminal, subscriber station, mobileterminal, remote station, user terminal, terminal, subscriber unit,cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”),laptop computers, netbooks, e-readers, wireless modems, etc.

As used herein, the term “access node”, “node”, or “base station” canrefer to any device or group of devices that facilitates wirelesscommunication or otherwise provides an interface between a wirelessterminal and a telecommunications system. A non-limiting example of abase station can include, in the 3GPP specification, a Node B (“NB”), anenhanced Node B (“eNB”), a home eNB (“HeNB”), a 5G (New Radio [NR])gNodeB or gNB, or some other similar terminology. Another non-limitingexample of a base station is an access point. An access point may be anelectronic device that provides access for wireless terminal to a datanetwork, such as (but not limited to) a Local Area Network (“LAN”), WideArea Network (“WAN”), the Internet, etc. Although some examples of thesystems and methods disclosed herein may be described in relation togiven standards (e.g., 3GPP Releases 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or higher), thescope of the present disclosure should not be limited in this regard. Atleast some aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein may beutilized in other types of wireless communication systems.

As used herein, the term “telecommunication system” or “communicationssystem” can refer to any network of devices used to transmitinformation. A non-limiting example of a telecommunication system is acellular network or other wireless communication system.

As used herein, the term “cellular network” can refer to a networkdistributed over cells, each cell served by at least one fixed-locationtransceiver, such as a base station. A “cell” may be any communicationchannel that is specified by standardization or regulatory bodies to beused for International Mobile Telecommunications-Advanced(“IMTAdvanced”). All or a subset of the cell may be adopted by 3GPP aslicensed bands (e.g., frequency band) to be used for communicationbetween a base station, such as a Node B, and a UE terminal. A cellularnetwork using licensed frequency bands can include configured cells.Configured cells can include cells of which a UE terminal is aware andin which it is allowed by a base station to transmit or receiveinformation.

As used herein, “system information” (“SI”) may include a MasterInformation Block (MIB) and several System Information Blocks (SIBs)which are provided on downlink radio resources allocated to an accessnode. The system information may be broadcast, and some types of systeminformation may be provided on demand, e.g., upon receipt of a requestfor system information from a wireless terminal.

In various aspects of the technology disclosed herein, systeminformation is classified into plural categories or types. In an exampleembodiment and mode, first type of the system information (e.g. a firsttype SIB or SIB1) is Minimum System Information (Minimum SI), minimallycontaining information required for UEs initially access to the network,periodically broadcasted by each access node (e.g. eNB for LTE, gNB for5G Radio System). In some configurations, Minimum System SI may consistof MIB and a limited number of SIBs. The MIB may contain essentialinformation for the radio system to help wireless terminals tosynchronize to the serving access node and may also contain instructionhow to obtain at least one of the essential SIBs. The Minimum SI may bealso referred as “essential SI”, or first type system information.

Second type of system information, e.g., “Other system information,“Other SI”, or second type system information, contains all the othertypes of information, i.e., all types of system information except theMinimum System Information. The Other SI may comprise several systeminformation blocks (SIBs) that are not categorized as Minimum SI. TheOther SI may be also referred as “non-essential SI”. However, secondtype system information is not to be confused with SIB Type 2, which isa particular (second) system information block (SIB) that may beincluded in the Minimum System Information or may be a part of the OtherSI.

In some example embodiment and modes described herein, for each of theSIBs the access node may choose to broadcast the SIB periodically,similar to the SIBs in Minimum SI. Alternatively, the access node maychoose to refrain from transmitting the SIB until receiving a request ofon-demand delivery from a UE. In this case, the access node mayadvertise the availability of on-demand delivery using Minimum SI.

As described herein, both an access node and a wireless terminal maymanage respective Radio Resource Control (RRC) state machines. The RRCstate machines transition between several RRC states including RRC_IDLE,RRC_INACTIVE and RRC_CONNECTED. FIG. 1 depicts the state transitiondiagram of the RRC states. From the vantage point of a wireless terminale.g., user equipment (UE), the RRC states may be briefly characterizedas follows:

RRC_IDLE:

A UE specific DRX (discontinuous reception) may be configured by upperlayers;

UE controlled mobility based on network configuration;

The UE:

-   -   Monitors a Paging channel;    -   Performs neighboring cell measurements and cell (re-)selection;    -   Acquires system information.

RRC_INACTIVE:

A UE specific DRX may be configured by upper layers or by RRC layer;

UE controlled mobility based on network configuration;

The UE stores the Access Stratum (AS) context;

The UE:

-   -   Monitors a Paging channel;    -   Performs neighboring cell measurements and cell (re-)selection;    -   Performs RAN-based notification area updates when moving outside        the RAN-based notification area;    -   Acquires system information.

RRC_CONNECTED:

The UE stores the AS context.

Transfer of unicast data to/from UE.

At lower layers, the UE may be configured with a UE specific DRX;

Network controlled mobility, i.e. handover within NR and to/fromE-UTRAN;

The UE:

-   -   Monitors a Paging channel;    -   Monitors control channels associated with the shared data        channel to determine if data is scheduled for it;    -   Provides channel quality and feedback information;    -   Performs neighboring cell measurements and measurement        reporting;    -   Acquires system information.

The technology disclosed herein concerns, e.g., apparatus, methods, andprocedures for obtaining and/or updating SIBs including controllingtiming of an SI message acquisition process.

FIG. 2 shows an example communications system 20 wherein radio accessnode 22 communicates over air or radio interface 24 (e.g., Uu interface)with wireless terminal 26. As mentioned above, the radio access node 22may be any suitable node for communicating with the wireless terminal26, such as a base station node, or eNodeB (“eNB”) or gNodeB (“gNB”),for example. The node 22 comprises node processor circuitry (“nodeprocessor 30”) and node transceiver circuitry 32. The node transceivercircuitry 32 typically comprises node transmitter circuitry 34 and nodereceiver circuitry 36, which are also called node transmitter and nodereceiver, respectively.

The wireless terminal 26 comprises terminal processor 40 and terminaltransceiver circuitry 42. The terminal transceiver circuitry 42typically comprises terminal transmitter circuitry 44 and terminalreceiver circuitry 46, which are also called terminal transmitter 44 andterminal receiver 46, respectively. The wireless terminal 26 alsotypically comprises user interface 48. The terminal user interface 48may serve for both user input and output operations, and may comprise(for example) a screen such as a touch screen that can both displayinformation to the user and receive information entered by the user. Theuser interface 48 may also include other types of devices, such as aspeaker, a microphone, or a haptic feedback device, for example.

For both the radio access node 22 and radio interface 24, the respectivetransceiver circuitries 22 include antenna(s). The transmitter circuit34 and transmitter circuit 44 may comprise, e.g., amplifier(s),modulation circuitry and other conventional transmission equipment. Thereceiver circuit 36 and receiver circuit 46 may comprise, e.g., e.g.,amplifiers, demodulation circuitry, and other conventional receiverequipment.

In general operation, access node, 22 and wireless terminal 26communicate with each other across radio interface 24 using predefinedconfigurations of information. By way of non-limiting example, the radioaccess node 22 and wireless terminal 26 may communicate over radiointerface 24 using “frames” of information that may be configured toinclude various channels. In Long Term Evolution (LTE), for example, aframe, which may have both downlink portion(s) and uplink portion(s),may comprise plural subframes, with each LTE subframe in turn beingdivided into two slots. The frame may be conceptualized as a resourcegrid (a two dimensional grid) comprised of resource elements (RE). Eachcolumn of the two dimensional grid represents a symbol (e.g., an OFDMsymbol on downlink (DL) from node to wireless terminal; an SC-FDMAsymbol in an uplink (UL) frame from wireless terminal to node). Each rowof the grid represents a subcarrier. The frame and subframe structureserves only as an example of a technique of formatting of informationthat is to be transmitted over a radio or air interface. It should beunderstood that “frame” and “subframe” may be utilized interchangeablyor may include or be realized by other units of information formatting,and as such may bear other terminology (such as blocks, for example).

To cater to the transmission of information between radio access node 22and wireless terminal 26 over radio interface 24, the node processor 30and terminal processor 40 of FIG. 2 are shown as comprising respectiveinformation handlers. For an example implementation in which theinformation is communicated via frames, the information handler forradio access node 22 is shown as node frame/signal scheduler/handler 50,while the information handler for wireless terminal 26 is shown asterminal frame/signal handler 52.

The node processor 30 of radio access node 22 also includes systeminformation (SI) generator 54. As described above, at least some of thesystem information generated and provided by the system information (SI)generator 54 is Minimum System Information (Minimum SI), also known asfirst type system information, represented by Minimum SI handler 54M.Some of the system information may be Other system information (OtherSI), also known as second type system information, represented by OtherSI handler 54O in FIG. 2. The wireless terminal 26 uses the systeminformation (SI) generated by radio access node 22. Some of the MinimumSI may inform the wireless terminal 26 of the availability of the OtherIS.

FIG. 2 illustrates a generic message 2-1 by which the node radioresource controller 54 may supply the Minimal SI to wireless terminal26. In some example implementations, upon knowing of the availability ofthe Other SI, due to the message 2-1, for example, the wireless terminal26 specifically requests the Other system information, in on-demandfashion, as described herein. The terminal processor 40 of wirelessterminal 26 comprises, e.g., SI processor 56, to facilitate obtainingand use of system information.

The technology disclosed herein concerns, e.g., apparatus, methods, andprocedures for obtaining and/or updating system information blocks(SIBs) in/of the Other SI (Other SI SIBs) in on-demand basis. Since inat least some of the example embodiments and modes the technologydisclosed herein involves the Radio Resource Control (RRC) procedures,FIG. 2 shows terminal processor 40 as comprising node radio resourcecontrol (RRC) controller 60, e.g., node RRC controller 60. The node RRCcontroller 60 may execute an instance of the RRC state machine for eachwireless terminal in which the access node 20 is in communication, witheach instance keeping track of the RRC state transitions experienced bythe wireless terminal associated with the respective instance.

FIG. 2 also shows the terminal processor 40 of wireless terminal 26 ascomprising, in addition to terminal SI processor 56, a terminal RRCcontroller 70. The terminal RRC controller 70 includes or executes theRRC state machine discussed above, which transitions through the RRCstates, as described above and shown in FIG. 2, for a communicationinvolving wireless terminal 26.

FIG. 2 thus shows that the access node 22 comprises node processor 30,e.g., node processor circuitry 30, transmitter circuit 34, and, receivercircuit 36. The transmitter circuit 34 is configured to transmit thefirst type system information over a radio interface, the first typesystem information including availability of a SI message belonging tothe second type system information. The receiver circuit 36 isconfigured to receive from the wireless terminal a request message torequest delivery of the SI message which is available by on-demandbasis. The transmitter circuit 34 is further configured to transmit theSI message to the wireless terminal.

FIG. 2 thus shows that the wireless terminal 26 communicates over radiointerface 24 with access nodes, such as access node 22, of a radioaccess network (RAN). The wireless terminal 26 comprises receivercircuit 46, transmitter circuit 44, and terminal processor 40, e.g.,terminal processor circuitry. The receiver circuit 46 is configured toreceive first type system information over the radio interface. Theterminal processor circuitry is configured to generate a request messageto request the second type SIB which is available in an on-demand basis.The transmitter circuit 44 is configured to transmit the request messageover the radio interface while in the connected state. The receivercircuit 46 is also configured to receive the SI message while in theconnected state.

FIG. 3 shows example, representative acts or steps performed inconjunction with a generic method of operating a wireless terminal of aradio access network (RAN), such as wireless terminal 26 of FIG. 2. Act3-1 comprises the wireless terminal acquiring, e.g., receiving, theMinimum SI that is broadcasted from the currently serving access node,e.g., access node 22. The Minimum SI may be broadcast in a message suchas message 2-1 of FIG. 2. The Minimum SI may contain information aboutthe Other SI, including the delivery method, e.g., periodicbroadcast/on-demand, scheduling information, validity information, etc.Based on the information, the wireless terminal in act 3-2 may determinewhich SI message(s) to acquire by on-demand. As act 3-3, the wirelessterminal may send a request message (depicted as message 2-2 of FIG. 2)to the access node, the request message indicating the SI message(s)that the wireless terminal desires to obtain. As act 3-4 the wirelessterminal 26 may attempt to receive the requested SI message(s) which,e.g., was sent using message 2-3 of FIG. 2.

It was mentioned above that the first type system information includesavailability of a SI message belonging to the second type systeminformation, that the request message requests delivery of a SI messagewhich is available by on-demand basis, and that the SI message istransmitted to the wireless terminal. It should be understood thatreference herein to “a SI message belonging to the second type systeminformation” means one or more pieces of Other system information (OtherSI), e.g., one or more SI messages belonging to the second type systeminformation. In some example situations indeed only one SI message maybe advertised as available and accordingly periodically broadcasted orrequested on-demand. But in other example situations plural SI messages(e.g., plural pieces of Other SI) are advertised as available, some ofwhich may be periodically broadcasted and the others may be requestedon-demand. Furthermore, it should be noted that in some configurations(e.g. the configuration presented in FIG. 7, or in FIG. 13A-D) theavailability may be included in the scheduling information (e.g.schedulingInfoList described below).

In some configurations, the availability and delivery method informationfor Other SI SIBs may be included in SIB Type 1, one of the SIBs in theMinimum SI. FIG. 4 shows an example format of SIB Type 1, includingschedulingInfoList, si-WindowLength, otherSIBInfoList, validity areaidentification (si-AreaID), and possibly other configuration parameters.The otherSIBInfoList is a list of otherSIBInfo, which comprisesSIB-Type, an identifier of a SIB, validityInfo and validity informationof the SIB (a value tag [valueTag], and other parameters, such asvalidity timer, etc.).

SIBs other than SIB1 are carried in SystemInformation (SI) messages andmapping of SIBs to SI messages is flexibly configurable byschedulingInfoList included in SIB1, with restrictions that: each SIB iscontained only in a single SI message, only SIBs having the samescheduling requirement (periodicity given by si-periodicity) can bemapped to the same SI message. There may be multiple SI messagestransmitted with the same periodicity.

In one configuration, each element, schedulingInfo, ofschedulingInfoList may represent one SI message, comprising itsperiodicity (si-Periodicity), delivery method (deliveryMethod)indicating if this SIB is periodically broadcasted or to be transmittedupon request (on-demand), and associated SIB types (one or moreSIB-Type's). The actual broadcast opportunity, e.g., timing/resources,of a given SI message may be determined by a pre-determined or anetwork-configured formula as a function of at least the correspondingperiodicity. At each opportunity the broadcast of the SI message mayoccur within the duration of the window length (si-WindowLength).Hereafter a broadcast opportunity is also referred as a SI window. Morethan one SIB may be possibly transmitted on a same SI window.

In the configuration of FIG. 4 si-AreaID is common for all SI messagesor SIB types, which means that all SIBs have the same validity area.Alternatively, in another configuration, each SI message may have adesignated validity area. FIG. 5 shows an example format of SIB1 forsuch a configuration wherein each SI message may have a designatedvalidity area. Furthermore, in another configuration, having an exampleformat such as shown in FIG. 6, each SIB type may have a designatedvalidity area. Thus, in differing implementations, the systeminformation (SI) generator 54 of FIG. 2, working with node frame/signalscheduler/handler 50, generates the differing formatted SI messages ofFIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, for transmission by node transmittercircuitry 34 over radio interface 24.

FIG. 7 is an alternative format for SIB1, which is logically equivalentto the format shown in FIG. 4. The si-BroadcastStatus informationelement of FIG. 7 may be functionally identical to deliveryModeinformation element described earlier. In one configuration, theinformation element sibValueTagList may comprise a list of value tagsfor the available SIBs included in schedulingInfoList, in the order ofthe SIB numbering scheme (e.g. SIB2, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, . . . ). Inanother configuration, sibValueTagList may comprise a list of value tagsfor the available SIBs (included in schedulingInfoList) as well as thenon-available SIBs (not included in schedulingInfoList), in the order ofthe SIB numbering scheme (e.g. SIB2, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, . . . ). In thiscase, a pre-determined value may be set to the value tag for anon-available SIB. Accordingly, the si-BroadcastStatus informationelement may be used for indicating broadcast status (e.g. the broadcaststatus being either periodic broadcast or on-demand basis).

FIG. 8 is an exemplary message flow diagram of on-demand based SIacquisition procedure. As shown by act 8-0, wireless terminal 26 ineither RRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE or RRC_CONNECTED state stores the contentof SIB#A with the validity information, valueTag=a, si-AreaID=2, whichthe wireless terminal has previously received. From the currentlyserving access node, as act 8-1 the wireless terminal may obtain SIB1 asMinimum SI. As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, the SIB1includes the scheduleInfoList, which in turn may include one or moreschedulingInfo information elements. An example scheduleInfoList forthis scenario is shown in Table 1, wherein the k'th schedulingInfoindicates that the SI message associated with this schedulingInfo (SI#k,hereafter), containing SIB#A, will be available by on-demand delivery.Furthermore, the otherSIBInfo corresponding to SIB#A indicates that thevalidity information of SIB#A is valueTag=b, si-AreaID=3. It is assumedhereafter that whenever the wireless terminal receives SIB1, it hasalready received MIB beforehand.

TABLE 1 ... schedulingInfoList {   ...   k'th schdulingInfo (SI#k) {    ...     deliveryMethod = on-demand     SIB-type = A     ...   }  ...   } } ... otherSIBInfoList {   ...   otherISBInfo {     SIB-type =A     ValidityInfo {       valueTag = b       ...     }     ...   }  ... } ... si-AreaID = 3 ...

Knowing that the stored SIB#A is now invalid, the wireless terminal maydecide to obtain a valid version of SIB#A, and may initiate the SIrequest procedure represented by act 8-2 and explained herein. After theSI request procedure has a successful result, the wireless terminal maystart the SI message acquisition, shown generally as act 8-3 in FIG. 8.In the SI message acquisition the wireless terminal monitors signalsfrom the access node in the designated SI windows derived from thescheduling information (scheduleInfo) in the SIB1, and thereby attemptsto receive the requested SI#k. The SI windows are shown by dottedrectangles in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows by act 8-3 a a first transmission ofthe requested SI#k, which is unsuccessful, and by act 8-3 b a secondtransmission of the requested SI#k, which is successful. A tail of avertical down-pointing arrow in the SI message acquisition depiction ofFIG. 8 is associated with start of the SI message acquisition, while thehead of the same vertical down-pointing arrow is associated with end ofthe SI message acquisition (at successful reception of the SI#k). FIG. 8also shows by act 8-4 that other transmissions of the requested systeminformation may also be made even after the wireless terminal hassuccessfully received the sought SI#k.

In one configuration, the wireless terminal may use a counter, which isincremented at every SI window of a particular SI message, e.g. SI#k. Inthis configuration, the SI message acquisition may end when therequested SI message(s) are successfully received, or when the counterreaches a maximum counter value. In another configuration the wirelessterminal starts a timer at the beginning of the SI message acquisition.In this configuration, the SI message acquisition may end when therequested SI message(s) are successfully received, or when the timerexpires. The maximum counter value, or the timer value, which may becommon for all SI messages or per-SI message basis, may bepre-configured or configured by network via system information. Theconditions for the wireless terminal to end the SI reception process isreferred as “termination conditions” herein.

FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C show three options for the SI requestprocedure. In FIG. 9A, which may be applicable to wireless terminals inany of the RRC states, the request of on-demand delivery for SI messagesmay be accomplished by sending a Random Access Preamble, which maycomprise a sequence selected from a set of available sequencesconfigured by the access node via Minimum SI. A given sequence isidentified by a Preamble Index. When the access node detects thetransmission of a preamble sequence, it may respond to it with RandomAccess Response, which includes the Preamble Index corresponding to thesequence. Upon receiving the Random Access Response, the wirelessterminal may validate that the Preamble index in the Random AccessResponse matches the one associated with the preamble sequence, and thensend to the access node SystemInformationRequest message that includesthe identity of the SI messages (e.g. SI#k) that the wireless terminaldesires to receive. In response, the access node may send aSystemInformation message acknowledging the request, indicating that therequested SI message(s) will be broadcasted from the next SI windowscheduled for the requested SI message(s).

In one configuration, the access node may include in Minimum SI a set ofPreamble indices, each of which is designated for requesting on-demanddelivery of one or more specific SI messages. FIG. 9B illustrates anexample SI request procedure using this configuration, where thewireless terminal in any RRC state may transmit Random Access Preamblesequence given by the Preamble Index associated with the SI message(s)that the wireless terminal has selected. When the wireless terminalreceives Random Access Response including the Preamble Index, it mayconsider that the request procedure is successful.

The SI request procedure in FIG. 9C may be applicable to wirelessterminals in RRC_CONNECTED, wherein the SystemInformationRequest messageis sent without the random access preamble/response.

In any of the three options disclosed above, the wireless terminal mayproceed to the SI message acquisition if the SI request procedure issuccessful. Otherwise, the wireless terminal may think that the servingcell (controlled by the access node) is barred, which will invoke a cellreselection.

The SystemInformationRequest message shown in FIG. 9A or FIG. 9C mayinclude an information element (e.g. siRequest) to indicate which SImessage(s) that the wireless terminal desires to receive. In oneconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 10, the siRequest may comprise a bitmap, wherein each bit corresponds to a schedulingInfo informationelement in SIB1 of the current serving cell, the bits arranged in theorder of schedulingInfo information elements. By doing so, each bit ofthe bit map may correspond to a specific SI message. Alternatively,siRequest may carry a field indicating that the wireless terminaldesires to receive at least one on-demand basis SI message. In thiscase, the access node may start broadcasting all of the on-demand basisSI messages for a pre-configured duration. The SystemInformation messageshown in FIG. 9A or FIG. 9C may include siAck, an information elementfor acknowledging siRequest. In one configuration, siAck may comprisesthe same bit map as the one in SystemInformationRequest, indicating theSI message(s) to be broadcasted. Alternatively, siAck may comprise oneBoolean field, indicating whether the request has been accepted or not.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary message flow diagram of SI acquisition procedurefor a SI message broadcasted periodically. Act 11-0 comprises thewireless terminal 26, in either RRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE or RRC_CONNECTEDstate, storing the content of SIB#A with the validity information, e.g.,valueTag=a and si-AreaID=2. Act 11-1 comprises the wireless terminal 26obtaining, from the currently serving access node 22, SIB1 as MinimumSI, which, as understood from previous description, includes one or moreschedulingInfo information elements. In the scenario of FIG. 11, and asshown by Table 2, the k'th schedulingInfo information element indicatesthat the SI message associated with this schedulingInfo (SI#k,hereafter), containing SIB#A, is currently broadcasted periodically.Furthermore, the SIB1 specifies (see Table 2) that otherSIBInfocorresponding to SIB#A indicates that the validity information of SIB#Ais now valueTag=b and si-AreaID=3.

Knowing that the stored SIB#A is now invalid, as act 11-3 the wirelessterminal 26 begins an SI message acquisition wherein the wirelessterminal may attempt to acquire the SI message (SI#k) in the SI windowsspecified in SIB1. In FIG. 11, act 11-3 a illustrates an unsuccessful SImessage reception attempt in a first SI window for SI#k, followed by act11-3 b which is a successful SI message reception in a second SI windowfor SI#k, Thus, as shown in FIG. 11, if the SI message is not receivedby the end of the SI window (as was the case for act 11-3 a), thewireless terminal 26 may repeat reception at the next SI window occasionfor the concerned SI message until it successfully receives the SImessage (as was done in act 11-3 b).

TABLE 2 ... schedulingInfoList {   ...   k'th schdulingInfo (SI#k) {    ...     deliveryMethod = broadcast     SIB-type = A     ...   }  ...   } } ... otherSIBInfoList {   ...   otherISBInfo {     SIB-type =A     ValidityInfo {       valueTag = b       ...     }     ...   }  ... } ... si-AreaID = 3 ...

Unsuccessful Attempted Reception of on-Demand System Information

FIG. 12 shows an example communications system 20(12) comprisingwireless terminal 26(12) configured to detect failure of a SI receptionprocess involving an on-demand SI message, following a successfulcompletion of an SI request. The access node 22(12) and wirelessterminal 26(12) of FIG. 12 are essentially identical to the respectiveaccess node 22 and wireless terminal 26 of FIG. 2, except as otherwiseindicated herein. In terms of likeness, for example, the radio accessnode 22(12) comprises node processor 30 and node transceiver circuitry32, with the node processor 30 comprising, e.g., node frame/signalscheduler/handler 50, system information (SI) generator 54, and node RRCcontroller 60. Similarly, the wireless terminal 26(12) comprisesterminal processor 40, terminal transceiver circuitry 42, with terminalprocessor 40 comprising terminal frame/signal scheduler/handler 52,system information (SI) processor 56, and terminal RRC controller 70.

FIG. 12 also shows that wireless terminal 26(12) comprises systeminformation acquisition failure detector 80. The terminal processor 40,and particularly SI processor 56, may comprise or constitute the systeminformation acquisition failure detector 80. The system informationacquisition failure detector 80 is configured to make a determination ofa failure of the SI message acquisition process. The system informationacquisition failure detector 80 may make such failure determinationbased on a termination condition, as herein explained.

The system information generator 54 of radio access node 22(12) isconfigured to generate first type system information. For the exampleembodiment and mode of FIG. 12, and in an example, non-limiting mannershown in FIG. 13, the first type system information comprises(information elements or the like which indicate): availability ofsecond type SI messages; scheduling information of each of the SImessages; a delivery mode for each of the second type SI messages; and,a configuration parameter to configure at least one terminationcondition for determination of a failure of an SI message acquisitionprocess for the on-demand based second type SI messages.

As understood herein, a second type SI message comprises at least onesystem information block (SIB), and the delivery mode may be eitherperiodic broadcast or on-demand basis. The transmitter circuitry 36 ofradio access node 22(12) is configured to transmit the first type systeminformation over the radio interface 24 to the wireless terminal 26(12),as shown by arrow 12-1 in FIG. 12

As in the example embodiment and mode of FIG. 2, the on-demand Other SIrequest generator 72 of wireless terminal 26(12) may request at leastone second type SI using a request message as indicated by arrow 12-2 inFIG. 12. The second type SI request message depicted by arrow 12-2 isreceived by node receiver circuitry 36. The node processor 30, andparticularly the SI generator 54, generates the requested (second type)SI message in one or more windows of transmission, the transmission ofthe requested SI message being depicted by arrow 12-3 in FIG. 12.

As mentioned above, system information acquisition failure detector 80may make a determination of a failure of the SI message acquisitionprocess. When so doing, in an example embodiment and mode, the terminalprocessor 40, working in response to or with system informationacquisition failure detector 80, is configured to initiate acquisitionof the first type system information. That is, the terminal processor 40is configured, upon a failure of the SI message acquisition process, toinitiate acquisition of the first type system information, e.g., toagain request the first type system information (Minimum SI) from theradio access node 22(12). In FIG. 12 such request for first type systeminformation is depicted by arrow 12-4.

FIG. 13A is an exemplary format of SIB1, which is based on the formatshown in FIG. 7 with an additional information elementsi-MaxAcqAttempts. The information element si-MaxAcqAttempts provides atermination condition for the SI message acquisition, indicating themaximum number of SI message reception opportunities (e.g. SI windows)allowed before the end of the SI message acquisition. FIG. 13B is analternative format of SIB1, wherein the information elementue-TimersAndConstants includes a timer configuration (T#x) to be used asa termination condition for the SI message acquisition.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary message flow diagram of on-demand based SIacquisition procedure wherein system information acquisition failure isdetected. As shown by act 14-0, wireless terminal 26, in eitherRRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE or RRC_CONNECTED state stores the content ofSIB#A with the validity information, valueTag=a, si-AreaID=2, which thewireless terminal has previously received. From the currently servingaccess node, as act 14-1 the wireless terminal may obtain SIB1 asMinimum SI, e.g., first type system information. Obtaining of the SIBIis depicted by arrow 12-1 in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 13, the SIB1includes the scheduleInfoList, which in turn may include one or moreschedulingInfo information elements. An example scheduleInfoList forthis scenario is shown in previously-discussed Table 1, wherein the k'thschedulingInfo indicates that the SI message associated with thisschedulingInfo (SI#k, hereafter), containing SIB#A, will be available byon-demand delivery. Furthermore, the otherSIBInfo corresponding to SIB#Aindicates that the validity information of SIB#A is valueTag=b,si-AreaID=3. It is assumed hereafter that whenever the wireless terminalreceives SIB1, it has already received MIB beforehand.

Knowing that the stored SIB#A is now invalid, the wireless terminal maydecide to obtain a valid version of SIB#A, and may initiate the SIrequest procedure represented by act 14-2 and explained herein andillustrated by arrow 12-2 in FIG. 12. After the SI request procedure hasa successful result, the wireless terminal may start the SI messageacquisition, shown generally as act 14-3 in FIG. 14. In the SI messageacquisition the wireless terminal monitors signals from the access node(depicted by arrow 12-3 in FIG. 12) in the designated SI windows derivedfrom the scheduling information (scheduleInfo) in the SIB1, and therebyattempts to receive the requested SI#k. The SI windows are shown bydotted rectangles in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 shows by act 14-3 a, act 14-3 b,and act 14-3 c three successive transmissions of the requested SI#k, allof which are unsuccessful. A tail of a vertical down-pointing arrow inthe SI message acquisition depiction of FIG. 14 is associated with startof the SI message acquisition, while the head of the same verticaldown-pointing arrow is associated with end of the SI messageacquisition. In FIG. 14, the SI message acquisition fails. Failure ofthe SI message acquisition is determined by system informationacquisition failure detector 80 which, as indicated above, makes adetermination of a failure of the SI message acquisition process basedon a termination condition. Examples of the termination condition aredescribed below.

Upon detection of failure of the SI message acquisition process, as act14-4 the terminal processor 40 initiates (re)acquisition of the firsttype system information, e.g., the MINIMAL SI or SIB1, as shown by arrow12-4 in FIG. 12. The wireless terminal 26(12) thus attempts to againacquire the first type system information, in hopes that the SI messageacquisition process can thereafter be repeated and perhaps in suchrepeat of the SI message acquisition process the requested SI messagewill be obtained. In an example implementation, the wireless terminal26(12) may optionally reacquire MIB prior to reacquisition of SIB1.Accordingly, not having a valid version of a stored SIB, upon detectionof failure of the SI message acquisition process, the terminal processor40 initiates (re)acquisition of the first type system information.

FIG. 15 shows basic, representative, example acts or steps performed bythe wireless terminal 26(12) of FIG. 12. Act 15-1 comprises receivingthe first type system information (SI) from the base station apparatus.As mentioned above, the first type system information comprises:availability of a second type SI message, the second type SI messagecomprising at least one system information block (SIB); schedulinginformation for the SI message; an indication of a delivery mode for thesecond type SI message, the delivery mode being either periodicbroadcast or on-demand basis; and, at least one termination conditionfor determination of a failure of an SI message acquisition process forthe on-demand based second type SI message. Act 15-2 comprisestransmitting an SI request message to request at least one second typeSI message indicated as on-demand delivery. Act 15-3 comprisesinitiating the SI message acquisition process. Act 15-4 comprisesdetermining a failure of the SI message acquisition process. Act 15-5comprises, upon a failure of the SI message acquisition process,initiating acquisition of the first type system information

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the access node 22(12) of FIG. 12. Act 16-1 comprisestransmitting first type system information (SI). The first type SI hasbeen described above. Act 16-2 comprises receiving an SI request messageto request at least one second type SI message. Act 16-3 comprisesdelivering the requested SI message. As understood from above, therequested SI message may be sent periodically, repeatedly transmitted ata predetermined interval, for a predetermined length of time

It was mentioned above that, in one configuration, the wireless terminalmay use a counter, which is incremented at every SI window of aparticular SI message, e.g. SI#k, and that the SI message acquisitionmay end when the requested SI message(s) are successfully received, orwhen the counter reaches a maximum counter value. In someconfigurations, the maximum counter value may be configured by SIB1(e.g. si-MaxAcqAttempts shown in FIG. 13A). FIG. 17A shows the systeminformation acquisition failure detector 80 as comprising such counteras SI window counter 82. Thus in one example implementation of the FIG.12 example embodiment and mode, the termination condition may compriseSI window counter 82 counting up to reach a maximum value, or countingdown from a pre-set value to zero. Such maximum or pre-set value may beconfigured by the radio access node 22(12). The SI window counter 82 isincremented (or decremented) in a case in which the requested SI messagewas not received by the end of one reception opportunity, e.g., a casein which the requested SI message was not received by the end of an SIwindow.

It was further mentioned above that, in another configuration thewireless terminal may start a timer at the beginning of the SI messageacquisition, and that the SI message acquisition may end when therequested SI message(s) are successfully received, or when the timerexpires. In some configuration, the timer is configured by SIB1 (e.g.the timer configuration T#x in FIG. 13B). FIG. 17B shows the systeminformation acquisition failure detector 80 as comprising such a timer:SI message acquisition process timer 84. Thus in another exampleimplementation of the FIG. 12 example embodiment and mode, thetermination condition may comprise SI message acquisition process timer84 expiration of a timer configured by the base station apparatus. TheSI message acquisition process timer 84 is started at the beginning ofthe SI message acquisition process. The timer expiration value may beconfigured by the radio access node 22(12).

As understood from above, the Other SI may comprise one or more (Other)SI messages, also known as second type SI messages. In one exampleimplementation, as reflected by FIG. 18A, the termination condition maybe common for plural, e.g., all, SI messages. That is, in the FIG. 18Aimplementation, the maximum counter value in the case of FIG. 17A, orthe timer value in the case of FIG. 17B, may be common for all SImessages. In this case, the counter value configuration or the timerconfiguration in Minimum SI (e.g., si-MaxAcqAttempts in FIG. 13A, or T#xin FIG. 13B) may comprise a single parameter. Alternatively, as shown inthe example implementation of FIG. 18B, the termination condition may beconfigured on a per-SI message basis, e.g., uniquely configured for oneor more (Other SI) SI messages. In this case, the counter valueconfiguration or the timer configuration in Minimum SI (e.g.si-MaxAcqAttempts in FIG. 13A, or T#x in FIG. 13B) may comprise a listof parameters, each of which configures a corresponding SI message. Ineither the FIG. 18A or FIG. 18B implementations, the terminationcondition(s), whether common or not common, e.g., unique, may bepre-configured or configured by network via system information. Thus,the condition for the wireless terminal to end the SI reception processis referred as a “termination condition” herein.

The foregoing is now discussed in context of a more general 3GPP TS SIacquisition procedure for a UE to acquire the access stratum, AS, andnon-access stratum, NAS, information. This more 3GPP TS procedureapplies to UEs in RRC_IDLE, in RRC_INACTIVE and in RRC_CONNECTED. The UEin RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE shall ensure having a valid version of (atleast) the MIB, SIB1 as well as SIB X through SIB Y (depending onsupport of the concerned RATs for UE controlled mobility). The UE inRRC_CONNECTED shall ensure having a valid version of (at least) the MIB,SIB1 as well as SIB X (depending on support of mobility towards theconcerned RATs).

For the acquisition of MIB and SIB1, the UE shall perform the acts ofLISTING 1 below (wherein reference to any “section”, “clause”, or“sub-clause” is to the respective section, clause, or sub-clause of 3GPPTS 38.331.)

LISTING 1 1> if the cell is a PSCell: 2> acquire the MIB; 2> perform theactions specified in section 5.2.2.4.1; 1> else: 2> acquire the MIB; 2>if the UE is unable to acquire the MIB; 3> perform the actions asspecified in clause 5.2.2.5; 2> else: 3> perform the actions specifiedin section 5.2.2.4.1. 2> acquire the SIB1, 2> if the UE is unable toacquire the SIB1: 3> perform the actions as specified in clause 5.2.2.5;2> else: 3>perform the actions specified in section 5.2.2.4.2.

From the foregoing it is understood that the UE shall apply the SIacquisition procedure as defined above upon cell selection (e.g. uponpower on), cell-reselection, return from out of coverage, afterreconfiguration with sync completion, after entering NR-RAN from anotherRAT, upon receiving an indication that the system information haschanged, upon receiving a PWS notification, upon failing to acquire anSI message; whenever the UE does not have a valid version in the storedSI.

From the foregoing it is understood that, in an example implementation,when acquiring an SI message, the UE may perform the following acts ofListing 2.

LISTING 2    1>  determine the start of the SI-window for the concernedSI message.    1> if SI message acquisition is not triggered due to UErequest:      2>  receive DL-SCH using the SI-RNTI from the start of theSI-window and      continue until the end of the SI-window whoseabsolute length in time is given      by si-WindowLength, or until theSI message was received;      2>  if the SI message was not received bythe end of the SI-window, repeat      reception at the next SI-windowoccasion for the concerned SI message; 1> else if SI message acquisitionis triggered due to UE request:  2> Set the SI window counter 82 to 0(or Start SI message acquisition process timer 84);  2> [FFS receiveDL-SCH using the SI-RNTI from the start of the SI-window and   continueuntil the end of the SI-window whose absolute length in time is given bysi-   WindowLength, or until the SI message was received];  2>[FFS ifthe SI message was not received by the end of the SI-window, incrementthe   SI window counter 82 , repeat reception at the next SI-windowoccasion for the   concerned SI message];  2>if the SI window counter 82is equal to configured maximum value or counted down   to zero (or timerSI message acquisition process timer 84 expires)   3> Initiate the SIacquisition procedure.

When the UE acquires a MIB or a SIB1 or a SI message in a currentlycamped/serving cell as described in clause 5.2.2.3, the UE shall storethe acquired SI. A version of the SI that the UE stored is out of dateafter 3 hours. The UE may use such a stored version of the SI e.g. aftercell re-selection, upon return from out of coverage or after thereception of SI change indication. The storage and management of thestored SI in addition to the SI relevant for the current camped/servingcell is left to UE implementation. The UE shall:

1> delete any stored version of a SIB after 3 hours from the moment itwas successfully confirmed as valid; 1> if UE has stored version of anySIB: 2>for each SIB: 3> if the stored SIB is area specific SIB and ifsystemInfoAreaIdentifier and systemInfoValueTag included in the SIB1received from the currently camped/serving cell are identical to thesystemInfoAreaIdentifier and systemInfoValueTag associated with storedversion of that SIB; or 3> if the stored SIB is cell specific and ifsystemInfoValueTag included in the SIB1 received from the currentlycamped/serving cell is identical to the systemInfoValueTag associatedwith stored version of that SIB; 4> consider the stored SIB as valid forthe cell; 3> else: 4> (re)acquire the corresponding SI message asspecified in clause 5.2.2.3. 1> if UE has no stored version of a SIB: 2>(re)acquire the corresponding SI message as specified in clause 5.2.2.3.

Unsuccessful Attempted Reception of Broadcasted System Information

The previous embodiments disclose, e.g., procedure(s) for acquiring anSI message currently broadcasted periodically, wherein the wirelessterminal may continue the SI message acquisition until successfulcompletion. This operation may be valid if the concerned SI message isassumed to be broadcasted forever. By the introduction of on-demand SI,however, the assumption is not guaranteed to be true. For instance, whenthe wireless terminal sees deliveryMode=broadcast in SIB1 for the SImessage of concern, it is possible that the access node may betemporarily broadcasting the SI message in response to a request fromanother wireless terminal, and that the access node may stop theperiodic broadcast eventually.

Whereas the example communications system 20(12) of FIG. 12 primarilyconcerns unsuccessful attempted reception of on-demand systeminformation, FIG. 19 shows an example communications system 20(17)comprising wireless terminal 26(17) configured to detect failure of a SIreception process involving a periodically broadcast SI message. Theaccess node 22(17) and wireless terminal 26(17) of FIG. 19 areessentially identical to the respective access node 22 and wirelessterminal 26 of FIG. 2 and FIG. 12, except as otherwise indicated herein.In terms of likeness, for example, the radio access node 22(17)comprises node processor 30 and node transceiver circuitry 32, with thenode processor 30 comprising, e.g., node frame/signal scheduler/handler50, system information (SI) generator 54, and node RRC controller 60.Similarly, the wireless terminal 26(17) comprises terminal processor 40,terminal transceiver circuitry 42, with terminal processor 40 comprisingterminal frame/signal scheduler/handler 52, system information (SI)processor 56, and terminal RRC controller 70.

FIG. 19 shows that wireless terminal 26(17) also comprises systeminformation acquisition failure detector 80. As in the case of FIG. 12,terminal processor 40, and particularly SI processor 56, may comprise orconstitute the system information acquisition failure detector 80. Thesystem information acquisition failure detector 80 is configured to makea determination of a failure of the SI message acquisition process. Thesystem information acquisition failure detector 80 may make such failuredetermination based on a termination condition, as herein explained.

As in the FIG. 12 example embodiment and mode, system informationgenerator 54 of radio access node 22(12) is configured to generate firsttype system information. For the example embodiment and mode of FIG. 19,and in the example, non-limiting manner shown in FIG. 13, the first typesystem information comprises (information elements or the like whichindicate): availability of second type SI messages; schedulinginformation of each of the SI messages; a delivery mode for each of thesecond type SI messages; and, a configuration parameter to configure atleast one termination condition for determination of a failure of an SImessage acquisition process for the on-demand based second type SImessages. As understood herein, a second type SI message comprises atleast one system information block (SIB), and the delivery mode may beeither periodic broadcast or on-demand basis. The transmitter circuitry36 of radio access node 22(17) is configured to transmit the first typesystem information over the radio interface 24 to the wireless terminal26(17), as shown by arrow 19-1 in FIG. 19.

In the FIG. 19 example embodiment and mode it is assumed that wirelessterminal 26(17) is presently concerned with acquiring a second type SImessage for which the delivery mode is periodic broadcast. As such, theterminal processor 40 is controlling terminal receiver 46 to initiate aSI message acquisition process for a periodically broadcasted secondtype SI message. But it may turn out, however, after initiating the SImessage acquisition process, that the expected periodically broadcastedsecond type SI message(s) are not received. Non-receipt of theperiodically broadcasted second type SI message(s) may be for any ofseveral reasons, including the fact that the broadcast of theperiodically broadcasted second type SI message was at the behest ofanother wireless terminal, with the wireless terminal 26(17) essentiallybeing a third-party beneficiary of the broadcasts, and the access nodehas by now terminated the broadcast of the second type SI messageintended for the another wireless terminal.

Thus, as in the FIG. 12 example embodiment and mode, system informationacquisition failure detector 80 may make a determination of a failure ofthe SI message acquisition process. When so doing, in an exampleembodiment and mode, the terminal processor 40, working in response toor with system information acquisition failure detector 80, isconfigured to initiate acquisition of the first type system information.That is, the terminal processor 40 is configured, upon a failure of theSI message acquisition process involving a periodically broadcastedsecond type SI message, to initiate acquisition of the first type systeminformation, e.g., to again request the first type system information(Minimum SI) from the radio access node 22(17). In FIG. 19 such requestfor first type system information is depicted by arrow 19-4 (there beingno arrow 19-2 or arrow 19-3 in FIG. 19).

FIG. 20 is an exemplary message flow diagram of a periodic broadcastbased SI acquisition procedure wherein system information acquisitionfailure is detected. As shown by act 20-0, wireless terminal 26, ineither RRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE or RRC_CONNECTED state stores the contentof SIB#A with the validity information, valueTag=a, si-AreaID=2, whichthe wireless terminal has previously received. From the currentlyserving access node, as act 20-1 the wireless terminal may obtain SIB1as Minimum SI, e.g., first type system information. Obtaining of theSIBI is also depicted by arrow 19-1 in FIG. 19. As shown in FIG. 13, theSIB1 includes the scheduleInfoList, which in turn may include one ormore schedulingInfo information elements. An example scheduleInfoListfor this scenario is shown in previously-discussed Table 1, wherein thek'th schedulingInfo indicates that the SI message associated with thisschedulingInfo (SI#k, hereafter), containing SIB#A, will be available bybroadcast. Furthermore, the otherSIBInfo corresponding to SIB#Aindicates that the validity information of SIB#A is valueTag=b,si-AreaID=3. It is assumed hereafter that whenever the wireless terminalreceives SIB1, it has already received MIB beforehand.

Having received the SIB1 as Minimum SI, e.g., first type systeminformation, the wireless terminal 26(17) knows when the radio accessnode 22(17) is expected to broadcast the system information for thesought second type SI, e.g., SIB#A. As such, the terminal processor 40of wireless terminal 26(17) begins the SI message acquisition(represented by act 20-3 in FIG. 20).

In the SI message acquisition 20-3, the wireless terminal monitorssignals from the access node attempts to obtain the SI messages in thedesignated SI windows derived from the scheduling information(scheduleInfo) in the SIB1, and thereby attempts to receive therequested SI#k. The SI windows are shown by dotted rectangles in FIG.20. FIG. 20 shows by act 20-3 a, act 20-3 b, and act 20-3 c threesuccessive transmissions of the requested SI#k, all of which areunsuccessful. A tail of a vertical down-pointing arrow in the SI messageacquisition depiction of FIG. 20 is associated with start of the SImessage acquisition, while the head of the same vertical down-pointingarrow is associated with end of the SI message acquisition. In FIG. 20,the SI message acquisition 20-3 utterly fails. Failure of the SI messageacquisition is determined by system information acquisition failuredetector 80 which, as indicated above, makes a determination of afailure of the SI message acquisition process based on a terminationcondition. Examples of the termination condition are described herein.

Upon detection of failure of the SI message acquisition process, as act20-4 the terminal processor 40 initiates (re)acquisition of the firsttype system information, e.g., the MINIMAL SI or SIB1, as shown by arrow14-4 in FIG. 14. The wireless terminal 26(14) thus attempts to againacquire the first type system information, in hopes that the SI messageacquisition process can thereafter be repeated and perhaps in suchrepeat of the SI message acquisition process the requested SI messagewill be obtained. In an example implementation, the wireless terminal26(14) may optionally reacquire MIB prior to reacquisition of SIB1.Accordingly, not having a valid version of a stored SIB, upon detectionof failure of the SI message acquisition process, the terminal processor40 initiates (re)acquisition of the first type system information.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the wireless terminal of FIG. 19. Act 21-1 comprisesreceiving first type system information (SI) from the base stationapparatus. As indicated previously, the first type system informationcomprises: availability of a second type SI message; schedulinginformation for the SI message; an indication of a delivery mode for thesecond type SI message, the delivery mode being either periodicbroadcast or on-demand basis; and, at least one termination conditionfor determination of a failure of an SI message acquisition process. Act21-2 comprises initiating the SI message acquisition process for aperiodically broadcasted second type SI message. Act 21-3 comprisesdetermining a failure of the SI message acquisition process. Act 21-4comprises, upon a failure of the SI message acquisition process,initiating acquisition of the first type system information.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the access node of FIG. 19. Act 22-1 comprisestransmitting first type system information (SI) from the base stationapparatus. The first type system information comprises, e.g.,configuration parameters to configure for at least one terminationcondition for determination of a failure of an SI message acquisitionprocess. Act 22-2 comprises broadcasting the periodic broadcast-based SImessages.

As in the FIG. 12 embodiment and mode, wireless terminal 26(17) may usea counter, which is incremented at every SI window of a particular SImessage, e.g. SI#k, and may end the SI message acquisition when therequested SI message(s) are successfully received, or when the counterreaches a maximum counter value. The system information acquisitionfailure detector 80 of FIG. 19 may comprise the aforementioned SI windowcounter 82, shown in FIG. 17A, which may count up to reach a maximumvalue, or count down from a pre-set value to zero. Such maximum orpre-set value may be configured by the radio access node 22(17). The SIwindow counter 82 is incremented (or decremented) in a case in which therequested SI message was not received by the end of one receptionopportunity, e.g., a case in which the requested SI message was notreceived by the end of an SI window.

Also as in the FIG. 12 embodiment and mode, wireless terminal 26(17) maystart a timer at the beginning of the SI message acquisition, and mayend the SI message acquisition when the requested SI message(s) aresuccessfully received, or when the timer expires. The system informationacquisition failure detector 80 of FIG. 19 may comprise theaforementioned SI message acquisition process timer 84 shown in FIG. 17Bwhen the termination condition comprises expiration of acquisitionprocess timer 84. The SI message acquisition process timer 84 is startedat the beginning of the SI message acquisition process. The timerexpiration value may be configured by the radio access node 22(17).

Thus, similar to the example embodiments and modes of FIG. 2 and FIG.12, for acquisition of periodic broadcast-based SI message(s) as shownin FIG. 19 an extra mechanism to terminate the SI message acquisitionmay employed. In one configuration, the wireless terminal may use acounter, which is incremented at every SI window of a particular SImessage (e.g. SI#k). In this configuration, the SI message acquisitiontriggered by acquiring may end when the requested SI message issuccessfully received, or when the counter reaches a maximum countervalue. (It should be understood that this counter implementation islogically identical to an alternative implementation, wherein thecounter is set with the maximum counter value at the beginning of the SImessage acquisition and decremented upon the end of the SI window. Inthis implementation, the SI message acquisition may end when the counterbecomes a pre-determined value, such as zero). In another configurationthe wireless terminal starts a timer at the beginning of the SI messageacquisition. In this configuration, the SI message acquisition may endwhen the requested SI message is successfully received, or when thetimer expires. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 12, and as understoodby FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B, the maximum counter value, or the timer value,may be common for all SIB types, per-SIB type basis or per-SI messagebasis, may be pre-configured or configured by network via systeminformation.

It should further be understood that a wireless terminal may beattempting to receive some second type SI by periodic broadcast, and oneor more other second type SI by on-demand delivery. Hence, in a furtherexample embodiment and mode the terminal processor 40 of a wirelessterminal, such as wireless terminal 26(17), may be configured to bothdetect failure of a SI message acquisition process for broadcastedsecond type system information and detect failure of a SI messageacquisition process for on-demand second type system information. Forthis reason the terminal processor 40 of wireless terminal 26(17) showsterminal processor 40 and SI processor 56 in particular as stillcomprising on-demand Other SI request generator 72. Thus it is possiblein some modes for both the process of FIG. 14 and FIG. 19 to beexecuting essentially currently.

When a wireless terminal 26 is capable of both detecting failure of a SImessage acquisition process for broadcasted second type systeminformation and detecting failure of a SI message acquisition processfor on-demand second type system information, the wireless terminal 26may have separate termination conditions for each process. For thatreason the wireless terminal 26 may comprise plural SI window counters82 and/or plural SI message acquisition process timers 84. For example,the wireless terminal may have a first SI window counter 82(B) for a SImessage acquisition process for broadcasted second type systeminformation; and a second SI window counter 82(D) for a SI messageacquisition process for on-demand second type system information. Or,for example, wireless terminal may have a first SI message acquisitionprocess timer 84(B) for a SI message acquisition process for broadcastedsecond type system information; and a second SI message acquisitionprocess timer 84(D) for a SI message acquisition process for on-demandsecond type system information.

Furthermore, the counter configuration or the timer configuration foracquisition of periodic broadcast-based SI message(s) may be configuredvia system information (e.g. SIB1) separately from the configuration foracquisition of on-demand based SI message(s). In this case, SIB1 shownin FIG. 13C with two separate counter configurations(si-MaxAcqAttemptsOnDemand and si-MaxAcqAttemptsPeriodic) or FIG. 13Dwith two separate timer configurations (T#x for on-demand and T#y forperiodic broadcast) may be used. Alternatively, the counter/timerconfiguration common for on-demand and periodic broadcast-based SImessage acquisition may be configured. In this case, SIB1 shown in FIG.13A (common counter configuration) or FIG. 13B (common timerconfiguration) may be used.

The aforementioned more general 3GPP TS SI acquisition procedure for aUE to acquire the AS- and NAS information may be modified in part, e.g.,for acquisition of an SI Message, for the example embodiment and mode ofFIG. 19 as shown below. As indicated earlier, the counters (SI windowcounter 82(B) and SI window counter 82(D)) or the timers (SI messageacquisition process timer 84(B) and SI message acquisition process timer84(D)) may be identical, or alternatively separately configured.

LISTING 3 When acquiring an SI message, the UE shall:  1>determine thestart of the SI-window for the concerned SI message as follows:  1> ifSI message acquisition is not triggered due to UE request:  2> Set thecounter SI window counter 82(B) to 0 (or Start timer SI messageacquisition  process timer 84(B));  2>receive DL-SCH using the SI-RNTIfrom the start of the SI-window and continue   until the end of theSI-window whose absolute length in time is given by si-   WindowLength,or until the SI message was received;  2>if the SI message was notreceived by the end of the SI-window, increment the   counter SI windowcounter 82(B), repeat reception at the next SI-window occasion for   theconcerned SI message;  2>if the counter SI window counter 82(B) is equalto [configured maximum value] (or   timer SI message acquisition processtimer 84(B) expires)   3> Initiate the SI acquisition procedure asdefined in sub-clause 5.2.2.3. 1> else if SI message acquisition istriggered due to UE request:  2> Set the counter SI window counter 82(D)to 0 (or Start timer SI message acquisition   process timer 84(D));  2>[receive DL-SCH using the SI-RNTI from the start of the SI-window andcontinue   until the end of the SI-window whose absolute length in timeis given by si-   WindowLength, or until the SI message was received]; 2>[if the SI message was not received by the end of the SI-window,increment the   counter SI window counter 82(D) , repeat reception atthe next SI-window occasion   for the concerned SI message];  2>if thecounter SI window counter 82(D) is equal to [configured maximum value](or   timer SI message acquisition process timer 84(D) expires)   3>Initiate the SI acquisition procedure as defined in sub-clause 5.2.2.3.

Limiting Duration of System Information Message Acquisition by Number ofModification Periods

FIG. 23 shows an example communications system 20(23) comprisingwireless terminal 26(23) configured to limit duration of systeminformation message acquisition based on a number of modificationperiods. The example embodiment and mode of FIG. 23 may considered to besimilar to previous embodiments and modes which employed a counter, butinstead of counting a number of SI windows, the counter in the exampleembodiment and mode of FIG. 23 essentially counts a number ofmodification periods as a measure for determining when to terminate theSI message acquisition process.

The elements of access node 22(23) and wireless terminal 26(23) of FIG.23 are essentially identical to the corresponding elements respectiveaccess node 22 and wireless terminal 26 of FIG. 2 that have same basereference numbers, except as otherwise indicated herein. In terms oflikeness, for example, the radio access node 22(23) comprises nodeprocessor 30 and node transceiver circuitry 32, with the node processor30 comprising, e.g., node frame/signal scheduler/handler 50, systeminformation (SI) generator 54, and node RRC controller 60. Similarly,the wireless terminal 26(23) comprises terminal processor 40, terminaltransceiver circuitry 42, with terminal processor 40 comprising terminalframe/signal scheduler/handler 52, system information (SI) processor 56,and terminal RRC controller 70.

FIG. 23 also shows that wireless terminal 26(23) comprises systeminformation message acquisition terminator 90. The terminal processor40, and particularly SI processor 56, may comprise or constitute thesystem information message acquisition terminator 90. The SI processor56 performs an SI message acquisition process to acquire the systeminformation transmitted from the network, e.g., from access node 22(23).The system information message acquisition terminator 90 is configuredto terminate the SI message acquisition process after attempting SImessage acquisition for a first number of modification periods. Thus,the system information message acquisition terminator 90 essentiallyserves as and/or comprises a counter for counting up to the first numberof modification periods as criteria for determining when to end the SImessage acquisition process.

A modification period is a preconfigured time duration where the contentof the system information is unchanged. A modification period may bedefined as a time period wherein the system information may betransmitted a number of times with the same content (except somepredefined parameters), as defined by its own scheduling. A modificationperiod can be any predefined time duration established by anypredetermined convention. For example, the modification periods may bethe same or akin to the concept of modification period as defined forLTE in 3GPP TS 36.304, 38.304, 36.331 and/or 38.331, all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 24 depicts an example configuration of modification periods. Ineach modification period, defined between two adjacent modificationperiod boundaries, there may be one or more transmission opportunities(e.g., SI windows) allocated for a designated SI message. The accessnode 22(23) may choose to transmit, or not to transmit, the SI messageon these opportunities.

The first number of modification periods may be obtained by anyappropriate manner, and preferably is configured at the wirelessterminal 26(23) by access node 22(23). For example, the node SIgenerator 54 may comprise modification period limit generator 92, whichgenerates the first number of modification periods which is sent to andused by wireless terminal 26(23) for determining when to terminate theSI message acquisition process. For example, FIG. 23 shows by arrow 23-1transmission of an indication of the first number of modificationperiods to wireless terminal 26(23). Alternatively, the first number ofmodification periods may be pre-configured at the wireless terminal26(23), e.g., stored in memory of wireless terminal 26(23) via inputother from the radio access network such as through user interface 48upon programming of wireless terminal 26(23).

In one configuration, transmission of such an SI message, eitherinitiated autonomously by the radio access node or triggered by anon-demand request from a wireless terminal, may be started at the firstboundary of a modification period. Alternatively, in anotherconfiguration, transmission of such an SI message may start at any SIwindow of a modification period. Nonetheless, in either configurationthe SI transmission may end (if the access node decides to end) at thelast SI window of a modification period.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the wireless terminal of FIG. 23. Act 25-1 comprisesthe wireless terminal 26(3), e.g., via terminal receiver 46, receivingsystem information (SI) from the radio access node in a SI messageacquisition process. Act 25-2 comprises terminating the SI messageacquisition process after attempting SI message acquisition for a firstnumber of modification periods. As explained herein, a modificationperiod is a preconfigured time duration where the content of the SI isunchanged. The first number of modification periods may be assessed orcounted from a prescribed event, such as a network event or action ofthe wireless terminal. Act 25-2 may be performed by system informationmessage acquisition terminator 90, which may be realized by SI processor56.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the access node of FIG. 23. Act 26-1 comprisesconfiguring the wireless terminal with the first number of modificationperiods. Act 26-1 may be performed by modification period limitgenerator 92, and transmission of the first number of modificationperiods from access node 22(23) to wireless terminal 26(23) may be shownby arrow 23-1 in FIG. 23. Act 26-2 comprises transmitting systeminformation (SI) to the wireless terminal.

The example embodiment and mode of FIG. 27 is a special case of theexample embodiment and mode of FIG. 23 in which the system informationtakes the form of first type system information and second type systeminformation, as previously discussed in conjunction with other exampleembodiments and modes. The elements of access node 22(27) and wirelessterminal 26(27) of FIG. 27 are essentially identical to thecorresponding elements respective access node 22 and wireless terminal26 of FIG. 2 that have same reference numbers, except as otherwiseindicated herein. In terms of likeness, for example, the radio accessnode 22(23) comprises node processor 30 and node transceiver circuitry32, with the node processor 30 comprising, e.g., node frame/signalscheduler/handler 50, system information (SI) generator 54, and node RRCcontroller 60. Similarly, the wireless terminal 26(23) comprisesterminal processor 40, terminal transceiver circuitry 42, with terminalprocessor 40 comprising terminal frame/signal scheduler/handler 52,system information (SI) processor 56, and terminal RRC controller 70.Further, like the example embodiment and mode of FIG. 23, the wirelessterminal 26(27) of FIG. 27 comprises system information messageacquisition terminator 90 and the access node 22(27) of FIG. 27comprises the modification period limit generator 92. The systeminformation message acquisition terminator 90 of wireless terminal26(27) is likewise configured to terminate the SI message acquisitionprocess after attempting SI message acquisition for a first number ofmodification periods.

The node processor 30 of radio access node 22 includes a systeminformation (SI) generator 54 similar to that of the example embodimentand mode of FIG. 2 wherein at least some of the system informationgenerated and provided by the system information (SI) generator 54 isMinimum System Information (Minimum SI), also known as first type systeminformation, represented by Minimum SI handler 54M. Some of the systeminformation may be Other system information (Other SI), also known assecond type system information, represented by Other SI handler 54O inFIG. 2. The wireless terminal 26(27) of FIG. 27 may use the systeminformation (SI) generated by radio access node 22(27), and some of theMinimum SI may inform the wireless terminal 26 of the availability ofthe Other IS.

In the example embodiment and mode of FIG. 27, the terminal receiver 46is configured to receive first type system information (SI) from theradio access node. As understood herein, the first type SI comprises (1)availability of second type SI messages, and (2) an indication of adelivery mode for each of the second type SI messages. The second typeSI message comprises at least one system information block (SIB). Thedelivery mode is either broadcast or on-demand basis. Further, in theexample embodiment and mode of FIG. 27, like the embodiment and mode ofFIG. 2, the terminal receiver 46 is configured to transmit an SI requestmessage to request at least one second type SI message indicated ason-demand delivery in a case where the delivery mode of the second typeSI message is on-demand. Such SI request message is understood withreference to arrow 2-2 of the embodiment and mode of FIG. 2 anddiscussion thereof. In the embodiment and mode of FIG. 27, themodification period is thus a preconfigured time duration where thecontent of the first type and second type system information isunchanged.

As was mentioned above, the number of modification periods thatconstitutes the first number of modification periods may bepre-configured in the wireless terminal as well as in the access node.Alternatively, the first number of modification periods may beconfigured by the access node via the minimum system information (e.g.SIB1). In the latter case, SI-SchedulingInfo in SIB1, mentioned inearlier example embodiments and modes, may be augmented to comprise aparameter, such as si-NumModBoundaries. The parametersi-NumModBoundaries, may express the first number of modificationperiods, and thereby to instruct the wireless terminal 26(27) regardingthe duration of the SI message acquisition in units of modificationperiod boundaries. This parameter may apply to any cases of the SImessage acquisition (on-demand request or not). If the wireless terminal26(27) is allowed to start the SI message acquisition in the middle of amodification period, in one configuration si-NumModBoundaries mayinclude the modification period where the SI reception is started. Inanother configuration si-NumModBoundaries may include modificationperiods starting at the next modification period boundary. Listing 4A,shown below, illustrates use of a parameter, such assi-NumModBoundaries, to express the first number of modificationperiods.

LISTING 4A -- ASN1START -- TAG-OTHER-SI-INFO-START SI-SchedulingInfo ::=SEQUENCE {   schedulingInfoList SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxSI-Message)) OFSchedulingInfo,   si-WindowLength ENUMERATED {ms1, ms2, ms5, ms10, ms15,ms20, ms40},   si-Request-Config SI-Request-Config OPTIONAL, -- CondMSG-1   systemInformationAreaID BIT STRING (SIZE (24)) OPTIONAL, --First entry is SIB2   sibValueTagList  SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxSIB−1)) OFSIBValueTag,   systemInfoAreaScope  SystemInfoAreaScope OPTIONAL,-- CondAREA-ID,   si-NumModBoundary INTEGER (0..7)  OPTIONAL   ... }SchedulingInfo ::= SEQUENCE {   si-BroadcastStatus ENUMERATED{broadcast, onDemand},   si-Periodicity ENUMERATED { rf8, rf16, rf32,rf64, rf128, rf256, rf512},   sib-MappingInfo SIB-Mapping } SIB-Mapping::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (0..maxSIB−1)) OF SIB-Type SIB-Type ::= ENUMERATED {sibType2, sibType3, sibType4, sibType5, sibType6, sibType7, sibType8,sibType9, spare8, spare7, spare6, spare5, spare4, spare3, spare2,spare1, ... } -- Value TAG per SIB. SIBValueTag ::= INTEGER (0..31)

Listing 4B is an alternative implementation of SI-SchedulingInfo thatconfigures the number of modification period, wherein two parameters,si-NumModBoundariesOnDemand and si-NumModBoundariesPeriodic, mayconfigure the duration of the SI message acquisition. The parameterNumModBoundariesOnDemand may be used in the scenario disclosed in thesecond embodiment, whereas the parameter NumModBoundariesPeriodic may beused in the scenario disclosed in a previous embodiment.

LISTING 4B -- ASN1START -- TAG-OTHER-SI-INFO-START SI-SchedulingInfo ::=SEQUENCE {   schedulingInfoList SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxSI-Message)) OFSchedulingInfo,   si-WindowLength ENUMERATED {ms1, ms2, ms5, ms10, ms15,ms20,                  ms40},   si-Request-Config SI-Request-ConfigOPTIONAL, -- Cond MSG-1   systemInformationAreaID BIT STRING (SIZE(24))    OPTIONAL, -- First entry is SIB2   sibValueTagList SEQUENCE(SIZE (1..maxSIB−1)) OF SIBValueTag,   systemInfoAreaScope SystemInfoAreaScope OPTIONAL,-- Cond AREA-ID,  si-NumModBoundaryPeriodic INTEGER (0..7)  OPTIONAL,  si-NumModBoundaryOnDemand   INTEGER (0..7)  OPTIONAL ... }SchedulingInfo ::=  SEQUENCE {   si-BroadcastStatus ENUMERATED{broadcast, onDemand},   si-Periodicity ENUMERATED { rf8, rf16, rf32,rf64, rf128, rf256, rf512},   sib-MappingInfo SIB-Mapping } SIB-Mapping::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (0..maxSIB−1)) OF SIB-Type SIB-Type ::= ENUMERATED {sibType2, sibType3, sibType4, sibType5, sibType6, sibType7, sibType8,sibType9, spare8, spare7, spare6, spare5, spare4, spare3, spare2,spare1,       ... } -- Value TAG per SIB. SIBValueTag ::= INTEGER(0..31)

The procedure of the example embodiments and modes of FIG. 23 and FIG.27 may be akin to Listing 3, except that the counters (N1, N2) arereplaced by si-NumModBoundaries. Alternatively, the counters may bereplaced by si-NumModBoundariesPeriodic and si-NumModBoundariesOnDemandrespectively.

Requiring Wireless Terminal to Wait an Offset Time Before Beginning SIMessage Acquisition

FIG. 28 shows an example communications system 20(28) wherein wirelessterminal 26(28) may be configured, e.g., via the minimum systeminformation (e.g. SIB1), with at least one offset value. The offsetvalue indicates a duration, e.g., of time, that wireless terminal 26(28)is required to wait before starting a SI message acquisition process.

The elements of access node 22(28) and wireless terminal 26(28) of FIG.28 may be essentially identical to the corresponding elements respectiveaccess node 22 and wireless terminal 26 of FIG. 2 that have same basereference numbers, except as otherwise indicated herein. In terms oflikeness, for example, the radio access node 22(28) comprises nodeprocessor 30 and node transceiver circuitry 32, with the node processor30 comprising, e.g., node frame/signal scheduler/handler 50, systeminformation (SI) generator 54, and node RRC controller 60. Similarly,the wireless terminal 26(28) comprises terminal processor 40, terminaltransceiver circuitry 42, with terminal processor 40 comprising terminalframe/signal scheduler/handler 52, system information (SI) processor 56,and terminal RRC controller 70.

In the example embodiment and mode of FIG. 28, the terminal receiver 46is configured to receive first type system information (SI) from theradio access node. As understood herein, the first type SI comprises (1)availability of second type SI messages, and (2) an indication of adelivery mode for each of the second type SI messages. The second typeSI message comprises at least one system information block (SIB). Thedelivery mode is either broadcast or on-demand basis. Further, in theexample embodiment and mode of FIG. 27, like the embodiment and mode ofFIG. 2, the terminal receiver 46 is configured to transmit an SI requestmessage to request at least one second type SI message indicated ason-demand delivery in a case where the delivery mode of the second typeSI message is on-demand.

FIG. 28 also shows that wireless terminal 26(28) comprises systeminformation acquisition delay controller 94. The terminal processor 40,and particularly SI processor 56, may comprise or constitute the systeminformation acquisition delay controller 94. In the FIG. 28 exampleembodiment and mode, the system information acquisition delay controller94 is configured to require the SI processor 56 to wait, after receivingfrom the radio access node an acknowledgement for the SI requestmessage, for a time duration specified by an offset value, beforeperforming an SI message acquisition process.

FIG. 28 further shows that the access node 22(28) comprises offset valuegenerator 96. The node SI generator 54 of access node 22(28) generatesfirst type system information which is used to configure the wirelessterminal with an offset value OFF. The offset value OFF is used toinstruct the wireless terminal 26(28) to wait, for a time durationspecified by the offset value OFF, after the wireless terminal receivesfrom access node 22(28) an acknowledgement for the SI request message,before the wireless terminal performs an SI message acquisition process.Receipt from access node 22(28) of an acknowledgement for the SI requestmessage is understood to be an acknowledgment of the request messageshown as arrow 2-2 of FIG. 2. FIG. 28 shows transmission of the offsetvalue OFF as arrow 28-1.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the wireless terminal wireless terminal 26(28) ofFIG. 28. Act 29-1 comprises receiving first type system information (SI)from the radio access node. As explained previously, the first typesystem information may comprise availability of second type SI messages.Act 29-2 comprises transmitting, to access node 22(28), an SI requestmessage to request at least one second type SI message indicated ason-demand delivery in a case where the delivery mode of the second typeSI message is on-demand. Act 29-2 may be performed by terminalframe/signal handler 72 in conjunction with terminal transmitter 44, andis understood with reference to message 2-2 of the example embodimentand mode of FIG. 2. Act 29-3 comprises, after receiving from the radioaccess node an acknowledgement for the SI request message and beforeperforming an SI message acquisition process, waiting for a timeduration specified by an offset value. The wait of act 29-3 may beassessed and controlled by system information acquisition delaycontroller 94. Act 29-4 comprises performing the SI message acquisitionprocess after the wait of the duration established by the offset valueOFF.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the access node access node 22(28) of FIG. 28. Act30-1 comprises the access node 22(28) transmitting the first type systeminformation (SI) to the wireless terminal. Act 30-1 may be performed bynode SI generator 54 in conjunction with core node transmitter 34. Act30-2 comprises the access node 22(28) receiving an SI request message torequest at least one second type SI message. The SI request message maybe understood with reference to message 2-2 of FIG. 2, for example, andmay be received via node receiver 36 and handled by request handler 72.Act 30-3 comprises the access node 22(28) waiting for a time durationspecified by the offset value (OFF). Act 3-4 comprises the access node22(28) starting to transmit the second type SI message. The offset valueOFF may be generated by offset value generator 96 and transmitted fromaccess node 22(28) to wireless terminal 26(28) by core node transmitter34. As explained previously, the offset value OFF serves to instruct thewireless terminal to wait for a time duration specified by an offsetvalue after the wireless terminal receives, from the radio access node,an acknowledgement for the SI request message, before the wirelessterminal performs an SI message acquisition process.

FIG. 31 illustrates the scenario of the example embodiment and mode ofFIG. 28, where wireless terminal 26(28), after completing the SI requestprocedure 31-2, waits for the specified duration (offset value OFF)before starting the SI message acquisition procedure 31-3.

In some configurations, the offset value (offset value OFF) may be usedin a case where the access node 22(28) desires to defer the transmissionof an SI message from the reception of an SI request.

In one configuration the offset value may be provided in units of SIwindows. In the SI window unit configuration, the wireless terminal mayskip the specified number of SI windows.

In another configuration, the offset value may be provided in units ofmodification periods, which have been discussed above. In thismodification period offset value embodiment, the wireless terminal maypostpone the SI message acquisition until the specified number ofmodification periods is consumed.

Furthermore, in another configuration, the offset value may be a timeduration specifying the time (e.g. in units of milliseconds). In thistime case, after the successful completion of the SI request procedure,the wireless terminal may wait for the specified time and may start theSI message acquisition from the following SI window.

The offset value may be pre-configured in the wireless terminal 26(28)as well as in the access node 22(28). Alternatively, as explained above,the offset value OFF may be configured by the access node 22(28), e.g.,via the minimum system information (e.g. SIB1).

In the latter case, e.g., configuration of offset value OFF by theaccess node 22(28), Listing 5A, Listing 5B and Listing 5C below showexample formats of SI-SchedulingInfo, with the offset configured by thenumber of SI windows, the number of modification period, and the timeduration, respectively. Listing 5D shows the case where the access nodeis able to choose one of these configurations, e.g., the configurationof the offset value OFF being expressed in terms of number of SIwindows, number of modification periods, or time duration.

The counter values or the timers to limit the duration of a SI messageacquisition, disclosed in a previous embodiment, may be started upon orafter the end of the waiting duration specified by the offset value.

LISTING 5A: -- ASN1START -- TAG-OTHER-SI-INFO-START SI-SchedulingInfo::= SEQUENCE {   schedulingInfoList SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxSI-Message))OF SchedulingInfo,   si-WindowLength ENUMERATED {ms1, ms2, ms5, ms10,ms15, ms20, ms40},   si-Request-Config SI-Request-Config OPTIONAL, --Cond MSG-1   systemInformationAreaID BIT STRING (SIZE (24))   OPTIONAL,-- First entry is SIB2   sibValueTagList SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxSIB−1))OF SIBValueTag,   systemInfoAreaScope SystemInfoAreaScope OPTIONAL,--Cond AREA-ID,   si-AcqOffset INTEGER (0..15)  OPTIONAL -- Number of SIwindows   ... }

LISTING 5B: -- ASN1START -- TAG-OTHER-SI-INFO-START SI-SchedulingInfo::= SEQUENCE {   schedulingInfoList SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxSI-Message))OF SchedulingInfo,   si-WindowLength ENUMERATED {ms1, ms2, ms5, ms10,ms15, ms20, ms40},   si-Request-Config SI-Request-Config OPTIONAL, --Cond MSG-1   systemInformationAreaID BIT STRING (SIZE (24))   OPTIONAL,-- First entry is SIB2   sibValueTagList SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxSIB−1))OF SIBValueTag,   systemInfoAreaScope SystemInfoAreaScope OPTIONAL,--Cond AREA-ID,   si-AcqOffset INTEGER (0..7) OPTIONAL -- Number ofmodification periods   ... }

LISTING 5C: -- ASN1START -- TAG-OTHER-SI-INFO-START SI-SchedulingInfo::= SEQUENCE {   schedulingInfoList SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxSI-Message))OF SchedulingInfo,   si-WindowLength ENUMERATED {ms1, ms2, ms5, ms10,ms15, ms20, ms40},   si-Request-Config SI-Request-Config OPTIONAL, --Cond MSG-1   systemInformationAreaID BIT STRING (SIZE (24))   OPTIONAL,-- First entry is SIB2   sibValueTagList SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxSIB−1))OF SIBValueTag,   systemInfoAreaScope SystemInfoAreaScope OPTIONAL,--Cond AREA-ID,   si-AcqOffset ENUMERATED {ms1, ms2, ms5, ms10, ms15,ms20, ms40} OPTIONAL -- time to wait for SI message acquisition   ... }

LISTING 5D: -- ASN1START -- TAG-OTHER-SI-INFO-START SI-SchedulingInfo::= SEQUENCE { schedulingInfoList SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxSI-Message)) OFSchedulingInfo,   si-WindowLength ENUMERATED {ms1, ms2, ms5, ms10, ms15,ms20, ms40},   si-Request-Config SI-Request-Config OPTIONAL, -- CondMSG-1   systemInformationAreaID BIT STRING (SIZE (24))   OPTIONAL, --First entry is SIB2   sibValueTagList SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxSIB−1)) OFSIBValueTag,   systemInfoAreaScope SystemInfoAreaScope OPTIONAL,-- CondAREA-ID,   si-AcqOffset CHOICE {    offset-SiWindow INTEGER (0..15), --Number of modification periods    offset-ModPeriod INTEGER (0..7), --Number of modification periods    offset-Duration ENUMERATED {ms1, ms2,ms5, ms10, ms15, ms20, ms40} -- time to wait for SI message acquisition   } OPTIONAL   ... }

Limiting Duration of System Information Message Acquisition by Number ofTransmission Opportunities

FIG. 32 shows an example communications system 20(32) comprisingwireless terminal 26(32) configured to limit duration of systeminformation message acquisition based on a number of transmissionopportunities. The number of transmission opportunities may mean thenumber of transmission opportunities that the access node is schedulingfor transmission of a certain system information (SI) message. Thenumber of transmission opportunities may be expressed in terms of anyappropriate unit or event(s), such as system information windows ormodification periods, for example, and may express the transmissionopportunities with reference to timing of a certain network event oraction of the wireless terminal.

The elements of access node 22(32) and wireless terminal 26(32) of FIG.32 are essentially identical to the corresponding elements respectiveaccess node 22 and wireless terminal 26 of FIG. 2 that have same basereference numbers, except as otherwise indicated herein. In terms oflikeness, for example, the radio access node 22(32) comprises nodeprocessor 30 and node transceiver circuitry 32, with the node processor30 comprising, e.g., node frame/signal scheduler/handler 50, systeminformation (SI) generator 54, and node RRC controller 60. Similarly,the wireless terminal 26(32) comprises terminal processor 40, terminaltransceiver circuitry 42, with terminal processor 40 comprising terminalframe/signal scheduler/handler 52, system information (SI) processor 56,and terminal RRC controller 70.

FIG. 32 also shows that wireless terminal 26(32) comprises systeminformation message acquisition terminator 90(32). The terminalprocessor 40, and particularly SI processor 56, may comprise orconstitute the system information message acquisition terminator 90(32).The SI processor 56 performs an SI message acquisition process toacquire the system information transmitted from the network, e.g., fromaccess node 22(32). The system information message acquisitionterminator 90(32) is configured to terminate the SI message acquisitionprocess after attempting SI message acquisition for a prescribed numberof transmission opportunities. The prescribed number of transmissionopportunities may be in time reference, e.g., occur after, a prescribedevent such as a network event or an action by the wireless terminal26(32). Thus, the system information message acquisition terminator90(32) essentially serves as and/or comprises a counter for counting upto a prescribed number of transmission opportunities as criteria fordetermining when to end the SI message acquisition process.

The number of transmission opportunities may be obtained by anyappropriate manner, and preferably is configured at the wirelessterminal 26(32) by access node 22(32). For example, the node SIgenerator 54 may comprise transmission opportunity generator 92(32),which generates a number of transmission opportunities which is sent toand used by wireless terminal 26(32) for determining when to terminatethe SI message acquisition process. For example, FIG. 32 shows by arrow32-1 transmission of an indication of the number of transmissionopportunities to wireless terminal 26(32). Alternatively, the number oftransmission opportunities may be pre-configured at the wirelessterminal 26(32), e.g., stored in memory of wireless terminal 26(32) viainput other from the radio access network such as through user interface48 upon programming of wireless terminal 26(32).

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the wireless terminal of FIG. 32. Act 33-1 comprisesthe wireless terminal 26(32) e.g., via terminal receiver 46, receivingfirst type system information (SI) from the radio access node in a SImessage acquisition process. Act 33-2 comprises terminating the SImessage acquisition process after attempting the SI message acquisitionfor a prescribed number of transmission opportunities. Act 33-2 may beperformed by system information message acquisition terminator 90(32),which may be realized by SI processor 56.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing basic, representative, example acts orsteps performed by the access node of FIG. 32. Act 34-1 comprisesconfiguring the wireless terminal with a prescribed number oftransmission opportunities for a system information message, the numberof transmission opportunities indicating at least how many transmissionopportunities the radio access node is scheduling to transmit the SImessage. Act 34-1 may be performed by transmission opportunity generator92(32), and transmission of the number of transmission opportunitiesfrom access node 22(32) to wireless terminal 26(32) may be shown byarrow 32-1 in FIG. 32. Act 34-2 comprises transmitting systeminformation (SI) to the wireless terminal, e.g., for the prescribednumber of transmission opportunities.

The example embodiment and mode of FIG. 35 is a special case of theexample embodiment and mode of FIG. 32 in which the system informationtakes the form of first type system information and second type systeminformation, as previously discussed in conjunction with other exampleembodiments and modes. The elements of access node 22(35) and wirelessterminal 26(35) of FIG. 35 are essentially identical to thecorresponding elements respective access node 22 and wireless terminal26 of FIG. 2 that have same reference numbers, except as otherwiseindicated herein. In terms of likeness, for example, the radio accessnode 22(35) comprises node processor 30 and node transceiver circuitry32, with the node processor 30 comprising, e.g., node frame/signalscheduler/handler 50, system information (SI) generator 54, and node RRCcontroller 60. Similarly, the wireless terminal 26(35) comprisesterminal processor 40, terminal transceiver circuitry 42, with terminalprocessor 40 comprising terminal frame/signal scheduler/handler 52,system information (SI) processor 56, and terminal RRC controller 70.Further, like the example embodiment and mode of FIG. 32, the wirelessterminal 26(35) of FIG. 35 comprises system information messageacquisition terminator 90(32) and the access node 22(35) of FIG. 35comprises the transmission opportunity generator 92(32). The systeminformation message acquisition terminator 90 of wireless terminal26(35) is likewise configured to terminate the SI message acquisitionprocess after attempting SI message acquisition for a prescribed numberof transmission opportunities.

The node processor 30 of radio access node 22(35) includes a systeminformation (SI) generator 54 similar to that of the example embodimentand mode of FIG. 2 wherein at least some of the system informationgenerated and provided by the system information (SI) generator 54 isMinimum System Information (Minimum SI), also known as first type systeminformation, represented by Minimum SI handler 54M. Some of the systeminformation may be Other system information (Other SI), also known assecond type system information, represented by Other SI handler 54O inFIG. 2. The wireless terminal 26(35) of FIG. 35 may use the systeminformation (SI) generated by radio access node 22(35), and some of theMinimum SI may inform the wireless terminal 26 of the availability ofthe Other IS.

In the example embodiment and mode of FIG. 35, the terminal receiver 46is configured to receive first type system information (SI) from theradio access node. As understood herein, for the example embodiment andmode of FIG. 35 the first type SI comprises (1) availability of SImessages, (2) an indication of a delivery mode for each of the SImessages, and (3) the prescribed number of transmission opportunitiesfor the SI messages. Each of the SI messages comprises at least onesecond type system information block (SIB). The delivery mode is eitherbroadcast or on-demand basis. Further, in the example embodiment andmode of FIG. 27, like the embodiment and mode of FIG. 2, the terminalreceiver 46 is configured to transmit an SI request message to requestat least one SI message indicated as on-demand delivery in a case wherethe delivery mode of the SI message is on-demand. Such SI requestmessage is understood with reference to arrow 2-2 of the embodiment andmode of FIG. 2 and discussion thereof. Thus, in the embodiment and modeof FIG. 35, the prescribed number of transmission opportunities for atleast one SI message indicating at least how many transmissionopportunities the radio access node is scheduling to transmit the SImessage from the time of the transmission of the first type SI.

Thus, in the example embodiment and mode of FIG. 35, in access node22(35) the transmitter circuitry 34 is configured to transmit first typesystem information (SI) for the FIG. 35 embodiment and mode to thewireless terminal. The node receiver circuitry 36 configured to receivean SI request message to request at least one SI message. The nodeprocessor circuitry 30 and transmission opportunity generator 92(32)configures the wireless terminal, e.g., via the first type SI, with theprescribed number of transmission opportunities for at least one SImessage. As explained previously, in the FIG. 35 embodiment and mode theprescribed number of transmission opportunities indicates at least howmany transmission opportunities the radio access node is scheduling totransmit the second type SI message from the time of the transmission ofthe first type system information

In the FIG. 35 example embodiment and mode, the minimum systeminformation may indicate, for each SI message, the number oftransmission opportunities that the access node is scheduling fortransmission. For an SI message that is currently broadcasted, thenumber of transmission opportunities may indicate how many of theprescribed number of transmission opportunities are still remaining atthe time of transmission for the minimum system information. Meanwhile,for an SI message that is NOT currently broadcasted (to be requestedon-demand), the number of transmission opportunities may indicate atleast how many transmission opportunities that the access node will usefor the SI message once it is requested. In one example implementationof the FIG. 35 example embodiment and mode, one transmission opportunitymay be an SI window. In another example implementation of the FIG. 35example embodiment and mode, one transmission opportunity may be amodification period.

FIG. 36A illustrates one exemplary operation scenario of the exampleembodiment and mode of FIG. 35 for the case or example implementation inwhich the transmission opportunities are SI windows. The first SIB1transmission in FIG. 36A indicates that the broadcast status (BS) (e.g.si-BroadcastStatus) of the SI message of concern is onDemand.Furthermore, the SIB1 also indicates that the number of transmissionopportunities (TOs) is 6, meaning that six transmission opportunities(i.e., six SI windows) will be used to transmit the SI message once theSI message is requested. After the wireless terminal sends an SIrequest, the access node 22(35) starts transmitting the SI message onthe six subsequent SI windows. In the scenario of FIG. 36A, the secondSIB1 transmission, occurring after the fourth SI window, indicates tworemaining TOs for the SI message that is being broadcasted(BS=broadcast). After consuming these six TOs, the TO indicated in thethird SIB1 transmission goes back to 6, whereas BS becomes onDemand.

In the scenario of FIG. 36A, after the successful completion of the SIrequest procedure, the wireless terminal 26(35) may perform the SImessage acquisition until it successfully receives the SI message oruntil it consumes the number of SI windows specified by the TO valuereceived in the first SIB1. Furthermore, the wireless terminal 26(35)may not attempt to receive the second SIB1 transmission (since notrequired to receive it). However, the second SIB1 transmission maypossibly be received by another wireless terminal, which may attempt toreceive the SI message in the next two subsequent SI windows.

In addition, when combined with BS=broadcast, the transmissionopportunities (TOs) in SIB1 may be also used to provide the wirelessterminal 26(35) the maximum SI windows allowed in an SI messageacquisition. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 36B, the wirelessterminal 26(35) may receive the first SIB1 transmission where TO=12 andBS=broadcast. The wireless terminal 26(35), if desired, may start the SImessage acquisition in up to the 12 subsequent SI windows of the SImessage. After consuming all these SI windows without successful SImessage acquisition, the wireless terminal 26(35) may reacquire SIB1, asdisclosed in the previous embodiments. It should be noted that theaccess node 22(35) may choose to continue transmitting the SI messageafter 12 SI windows, as TO in SIB1 in this case is used only in sake ofthe wireless terminal 26(35) to provide the maximum attempts (in unitsof SI windows) before the SIB1 reacquisition.

FIG. 37 is another exemplary scenario where the transmissionopportunities (TOs) are configured in units of modification periods. Thefirst SIB1 transmission in Modification Period N (MP(N)) indicates twoTOs (i.e., two modification periods) will be used for the transmissionof a SI message. In the first modification period a SI request for theSI message is sent from the wireless terminal 26(35), followed by thetransmission of the SI message from access node 22(35) in the subsequentdesignated SI windows, for the duration of two modification periods. Inone configuration, as shown in FIG. 37, the configured TOs may includethe modification period where the SI request occurs (MP(N)). In thiscase, as shown in FIG. 37, TO in the SIB1 transmitted in MP(N+1) may bedecremented by one (i.e. TO=1). In another configuration, TO in the SIB1may not include the modification period where the SI request occurs(MP(N)). In this case, TO=2 in MP(N+1), TO=1 in MP(N+2), and the SImessage transmission may continue until the end of MP(N+2).

Listing 5 shows an example format and coding of SIB1 for the exampleembodiment and mode of FIG. 35, where si-NumTransmissionOpportunitiesprovide the number of TOs disclosed above, in units of SI-windows (oralternatively in units of modification periods).

LISTING 5 -- ASN1START -- TAG-OTHER-SI-INFO-START SI-SchedulingInfo ::=SEQUENCE {   schedulingInfoList SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxSI-Message)) OFSchedulingInfo,   si-WindowLength ENUMERATED {ms1, ms2, ms5, ms10, ms15,ms20, ms40},   si-Request-Config SI-Request-Config OPTIONAL, -- CondMSG-1   systemInformationAreaID BIT STRING (SIZE (24))   OPTIONAL, --First entry is SIB2   sibValueTagList SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxSIB−1)) OFSIBValueTag,   systemInfoAreaScope SystemInfoAreaScope OPTIONAL,-- CondAREA-ID,   ... } SchedulingInfo ::= SEQUENCE {   si-BroadcastStatusENUMERATED {broadcast, onDemand},   si-Periodicity ENUMERATED { rf8,rf16, rf32, rf64, rf128, rf256, rf512},   sib-MappingInfo SIB-Mapping, si-NumTransmissionOpportunitiesINTEGER(0..31)-- number of remaining TOsfor this SI message } SIB-Mapping ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (0..maxSIB−1)) OFSIB-Type SIB-Type ::= ENUMERATED { sibType2, sibType3, sibType4,sibType5, sibType6, sibType7, sibType8, sibType9, spare8, spare7,spare6, spare5, spare4, spare3, spare2, spare1, ... } -- Value TAG perSIB. SIBValueTag ::= INTEGER (0..31)

Features from each of the example embodiments and modes describedherein, including the example embodiments and modes of FIG. 2, FIG. 23,FIG. 27, FIG. 28, FIG. 32, and FIG. 35 may be combined with one another.Further, features of the “Example Embodiments” enumerated hereinaftermay also be used in conjunction with one another.

Certain units and functionalities of node 22, node 22-12, node 22-19,node 22(23), node 22(27), node 22(28), node 22(32), and node 22(35),wireless terminal 26, wireless terminal 26-14, wireless terminal 26-19,wireless terminal 22(23), wireless terminal 22(27), wireless terminal22(28), wireless terminal 22(32), and wireless terminal 22(35), are, inexample embodiments, implemented by electronic machinery, computer,and/or circuitry. For example, the node processors 30 and terminalprocessors 40 of the example embodiments herein described and/orencompassed may be comprised by the computer circuitry of FIG. 38. FIG.38 shows an example of such electronic machinery or circuitry, whethernode or terminal, as comprising one or more processor(s) circuits 190,program instruction memory 192; other memory 194 (e.g., RAM, cache,etc.); input/output interfaces 196; peripheral interfaces 198; supportcircuits 199; and busses 200 for communication between theaforementioned units.

The program instruction memory 192 may comprise coded instructionswhich, when executed by the processor(s), perform acts including but notlimited to those described herein. Thus is understood that each of nodeprocessor 30 and terminal processor 40, for example, comprise memory inwhich non-transient instructions are stored for execution.

The memory 194, or computer-readable medium, may be one or more ofreadily available memory such as random access memory (RAM), read onlymemory (ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, flash memory or any other form ofdigital storage, local or remote, and is preferably of non-volatilenature. The support circuits 199 are coupled to the processors 190 forsupporting the processor in a conventional manner. These circuitsinclude cache, power supplies, clock circuits, input/output circuitryand subsystems, and the like.

Further, it should be understood that, when a processor or processorcircuitry is mentioned in conjunction with any of the preceding exampleembodiments and modes, it should be understood that the device hostingthe processor, whether wireless terminal or access node, may comprise atleast one processor and at least one memory including computer programcode, the memory and the computer program code being configured to,working with the at least one processor, to cause the host device toperform the functions afore-described.

Thus, the technology disclosed herein solves problems in the field oftelecommunications, including problems in telecommunications nodes suchwireless terminals and access nodes, as well as computers/processors andhardware comprising such nodes. System information is of utmostimportance to the operation of telecommunication nodes, so that eachnode can obtain the necessary network information to coordinate andcommunicate with other nodes and to perform its desired functions. Thesystem information is quite extensive and complex, and may bechangeable/updateable due to network and operating conditions, forexample. Efficiently obtaining and using the system information ischallenging, particularly in view of numerous other telecommunicationsfunctions that may be simultaneously on-going based on the systeminformation. The technology disclosed herein solves problem that mayoccur when SI messages are not timely received by, e.g., curtailing SImessage acquisitions and initiating remedial measures such asre-acquiring SIB1. The technology disclosed herein thus avoids waste oftime and undue expenditure of processing resources.

The technology of this application thus encompasses but is not limitedto the following example embodiments, example features, and exampleadvantages:

Example Embodiment 1

A wireless terminal that communicates over a radio interface with aradio access node of a radio access network (RAN), the wireless terminalcomprising:

receiver circuitry configured to receive system information (SI) fromthe radio access node

processor circuitry configured to

-   -   perform an SI message acquisition process to acquire the system        information, and    -   terminate the SI message acquisition process after attempting SI        message acquisition for a first number of modification periods,        a modification period being a preconfigured time duration where        the content of the system information is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 2

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 1, wherein the receivercircuitry is configured to receive first type system information (SI)from the radio access node, the first type SI comprising:

availability of second type SI messages, a second type SI messagecomprising at least one system information block (SIB);

an indication of a delivery mode for each of the second type SImessages, the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand basis;

the wireless terminal further comprising transmitter circuitryconfigured to transmit an SI request message to request at least onesecond type SI message indicated as on-demand delivery in a case wherethe delivery mode of the second type SI message is on-demand; and

wherein the modification period is a preconfigured time duration wherethe content of the first type and second type system information isunchanged.

Example Embodiment 3

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 1, wherein the first numberof modification periods is preconfigured.

Example Embodiment 4

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 2, wherein the first numberof modification periods is configured by the radio access node via thefirst type SI.

Example Embodiment 5

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 2, wherein the wirelessterminal is further configured with a second number of modificationperiods, the first number of modification periods being used for the SImessage acquisition process of an SI message after transmitting the SIrequest message, whereas the second number of modification periods beingused for the SI message acquisition process without transmitting the SIrequest message.

Example Embodiment 6

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 5, wherein the second numberof modification periods is preconfigured.

Example Embodiment 7

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 5, wherein the second numberof modification periods is configured by the radio access node via thefirst type SI.

Example Embodiment 8

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 2, wherein, in the casewhere the SI message acquisition process is terminated after the firstnumber of modification periods, the wireless terminal initiatesacquisition of the first type system information.

Example Embodiment 9

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 5, wherein, in the casewhere the SI message acquisition process is terminated after the secondnumber of modification periods, initiate acquisition of the first typesystem information.

Example Embodiment 10

A radio access node of a radio access network (RAN) that communicatesover a radio interface with a wireless terminal, the radio access nodecomprising:

transmitter circuitry configured to transmit system information (SI) tothe wireless terminal

processor circuitry configured to configure the wireless terminal with afirst number of modification periods, the first number of modificationperiods being a termination condition of a SI message acquisitionprocess, the modification period being a preconfigured time durationwhere the content of the system information is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 11

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 10, wherein:

the transmitter circuitry is configured to transmit first type systeminformation (SI) to the wireless terminal, the first type SI comprising:

-   -   availability of second type SI messages, a second type SI        message comprising at least one system information block (SIB);    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the second type SI        messages, the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand        basis;

receiver circuitry configured to receive an SI request message torequest at least one second type SI message;

the processor circuitry is configured to configure the wireless terminalvia the first type SI message with the first number of modificationperiods, the first number of modification periods being a terminationcondition of a second type SI message acquisition process, themodification period being a preconfigured time duration where thecontent of the first type and second type SI is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 12

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 11, wherein the radio accessnode is further configured to configure the wireless terminal via thefirst type SI with a second number of modification periods, the firstnumber of modification periods being used for the SI message acquisitionprocess of an SI message after transmitting the SI request message,whereas the second number of modification periods being used for the SImessage acquisition process without transmitting the SI request message.

Example Embodiment 13

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 11, wherein after receivingthe SI request message requesting a SI message the radio access nodetransmits the SI message during the number of modification periodsindicated in the first type SI.

Example Embodiment 14

A method for a wireless terminal that communicates over a radiointerface with a radio access node of a radio access network (RAN), themethod comprising:

receiving system information (SI) from the radio access node in a SImessage acquisition process;

terminating the SI message acquisition process after attempting SImessage acquisition for a first number of modification periods, amodification period being a preconfigured time duration where thecontent of the SI is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 15

The method of Example Embodiment 14, further comprising:

receiving first type system information (SI) from the radio access node,the first type SI comprising:

-   -   availability of second type SI messages, a second type SI        message comprising at least one system information block (SIB);    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the second type SI        messages, the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand        basis;

transmitting an SI request message to request at least one second typeSI message indicated as on-demand delivery in a case where the deliverymode of the second type SI message is on-demand;

wherein the modification period is a preconfigured time duration wherethe content of the first type and second type SI is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 16

The method of Example Embodiment 15, wherein the first number ofmodification periods is preconfigured.

Example Embodiment 17

The method of Example Embodiment 15, wherein the first number ofmodification periods is configured by the radio access node via thefirst type SI.

Example Embodiment 18

The method of Example Embodiment 15, wherein further comprising beingconfigured with a second number of modification periods, the firstnumber of modification periods being used for the SI message acquisitionprocess of an SI message after transmitting the SI request message,whereas the second number of modification periods being used for the SImessage acquisition process without transmitting the SI request message.

Example Embodiment 19

The method of Example Embodiment 18, wherein the second number ofmodification periods is preconfigured.

Example Embodiment 20

The method of Example Embodiment 18, wherein the second number ofmodification periods is configured by the radio access node via thefirst type SI.

Example Embodiment 21

the method of example embodiment 15, wherein, in the case where the SImessage acquisition process is terminated after the first number ofmodification periods, initiating acquisition of the first type systeminformation.

Example Embodiment 22

The method of Example Embodiment 18, wherein, in the case where the SImessage acquisition process is terminated after the second number ofmodification periods, initiating acquisition of the first type systeminformation.

Example Embodiment 23

A method for a radio access node of a radio access network (RAN) thatcommunicates over a radio interface with a wireless terminal,comprising:

configuring the wireless terminal with a first number of modificationperiods, the first number of modification periods being a terminationcondition of a system information (SI) message acquisition process, amodification period being a preconfigured time duration where content ofthe system information (SI) is unchanged

transmitting system information (SI) to the wireless terminal.

Example Embodiment 24

The method of Example Embodiment 23, further comprising:

transmitting first type system information (SI) to the wirelessterminal, the first type SI comprising:

-   -   availability of second type SI messages, a second type SI        message comprising at least one system information block (SIB);    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the second type SI        messages, the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand        basis;

receiving an SI request message to request at least one second type SImessage;

wherein the first number of modification periods is a terminationcondition of a second type SI message acquisition process, and

wherein the modification period is a preconfigured time duration wherethe content of the first type and second type SI is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 25

The method of Example Embodiment 24, wherein further configuring thewireless terminal via the first type SI with a second number ofmodification periods, the first number of modification periods beingused for the SI message acquisition process of an SI message aftertransmitting the SI request message, whereas the second number ofmodification periods being used for the SI message acquisition processwithout transmitting the SI request message.

Example Embodiment 26

The method of Example Embodiment 24, wherein, after receiving the SIrequest message requesting a SI message, transmitting the SI messageduring the number of modification periods indicated in the first typeSI.

Example Embodiment 27

A wireless terminal that communicates over a radio interface with aradio access node of a radio access network (RAN), the wireless terminalcomprising:

receiver circuitry configured to receive system information (SI) fromthe radio access node

processor circuitry configured to:

-   -   perform an SI message acquisition process;    -   terminate the SI message acquisition process after attempting SI        message acquisition for a prescribed number of transmission        opportunities.

Example Embodiment 28

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 27, wherein:

the receiver circuitry is configured to receive first type systeminformation (SI) from the radio access node, the first type SIcomprising:

-   -   availability of second type SI messages, a second type SI        message comprising at least one system information block (SIB);    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the second type SI        messages, the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand        basis;    -   the prescribed number of transmission opportunities, the        prescribed number of transmission opportunities for at least one        second type message, the prescribed number of transmission        opportunities indicating at least how many transmission        opportunities the radio access node is scheduling to transmit        the SI message from the time of the transmission of the first        type SI;

the wireless terminal further comprising transmitter circuitryconfigured to transmit an SI request message to request at least onesecond type SI message indicated as on-demand delivery in a case wherethe delivery mode of the second type SI message is on-demand.

Example Embodiment 29

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 28, wherein, in the casewhere the delivery method is broadcast for the second type SI message,the prescribed number of transmission opportunities indicates remainingtransmission opportunities for a corresponding SI message.

Example Embodiment 30

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 29, wherein the prescribednumber of transmission opportunities is updated at each time of firsttype SI transmission.

Example Embodiment 31

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 27, wherein the prescribednumber of transmission opportunities is a number of SI windows, an SIwindows being defined as a time window designated for a SI message.

Example Embodiment 32

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 27, wherein the prescribednumber of transmission opportunities is a number of modificationboundaries, the modification period being a preconfigured time durationwhere content of the system information is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 33

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 28, wherein, in the casewhere the SI message acquisition process is terminated after the firstnumber of modification periods, the wireless terminal initiatesacquisition of the first type system information.

Example Embodiment 34

A radio access node of a radio access network (RAN) that communicatesover a radio interface with a wireless terminal, the radio access nodecomprising:

transmitter circuitry configured to transmit system information (SI) tothe wireless terminal;

processor circuitry configured to configure the wireless terminal with aprescribed number of transmission opportunities, the prescribed numberof transmission opportunities indicating at least how many transmissionopportunities the radio access node is scheduling to transmit an SImessage.

Example Embodiment 35

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 34, wherein:

the transmitter circuitry configured to transmit first type systeminformation (SI) to the wireless terminal, the first type SI comprising:

-   -   availability of second type SI messages, a second type SI        message comprising at least one system information block (SIB);    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the second type SI        messages, the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand        basis;    -   the prescribed number of transmission opportunities, the        prescribed number of transmission opportunities being for at        least one second type message, the number of transmission        opportunities indicating at least how many transmission        opportunities the radio access node is scheduling to transmit        the SI message from the time of the transmission of the first        type SI;

the radio access node further comprising receiver circuitry configuredto receive an SI request message to request at least one second type SImessage;

wherein the processor circuitry configured to configure the wirelessterminal via the first type SI with the prescribed number oftransmission opportunities for at least one second type systeminformation message, the number of transmission opportunities indicatingat least how many transmission opportunities the radio access node isscheduling to transmit the second type SI message from the time of thetransmission of the first type system information.

Example Embodiment 36

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 35, wherein, in the casewhere the delivery method is broadcast for the second type SI message,the prescribed number of transmission opportunities indicates remainingtransmission opportunities for a corresponding SI message.

Example Embodiment 37

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 35, wherein the prescribednumber of transmission opportunities is updated at each time of firsttype SI transmission.

Example Embodiment 38

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 34, wherein the prescribednumber of transmission opportunities is a number of SI windows, an SIwindows being defined as a time window designated for a SI message.

Example Embodiment 39

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 34, wherein the prescribednumber of transmission opportunities is a number of modificationboundaries, the modification period being a preconfigured time durationwhere content of the system information is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 40

A method for a wireless terminal that communicates over a radiointerface with a radio access node of a radio access network (RAN), themethod comprising:

receiving system information (SI) from the radio access node in an SImessage acquisition process;

terminating the SI message acquisition process after attempting the SImessage acquisition for a prescribed number of transmissionopportunities.

Example Embodiment 41

The method of Example Embodiment 40, further comprising:

receiving first type system information (SI) from the radio access node,the first type SI comprising:

-   -   availability of second type SI messages, a second type SI        message comprising at least one system information block (SIB);    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the second type SI        messages, the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand        basis;    -   the prescribed number of transmission opportunities, the        prescribed number of transmission opportunities being for at        least one second type message, the number of transmission        opportunities indicating at least how many transmission        opportunities the radio access node is scheduling to transmit        the SI message from the time of the transmission of the first        type SI;

transmitting an SI request message to request at least one second typeSI message indicated as on-demand delivery in a case where the deliverymode of the second type SI message is on-demand; terminating the SImessage acquisition process is terminated after attempting the SImessage acquisition for the prescribed number of transmissionopportunities.

Example Embodiment 42

The method of Example Embodiment 41, wherein, in the case where thedelivery method is broadcast for the second type SI message, theprescribed number of transmission opportunities indicates remainingtransmission opportunities for a corresponding SI message.

Example Embodiment 43

The method of Example Embodiment 42, wherein the prescribed number oftransmission opportunities is updated at each time of first type SItransmission.

Example Embodiment 44

The method of Example Embodiment 40, wherein the prescribed number oftransmission opportunities is a number of SI windows, an SI windowsbeing defined as a time window designated for a SI message.

Example Embodiment 45

The method of Example Embodiment 40, wherein the prescribed number oftransmission opportunities is a number of modification boundaries, themodification period being a preconfigured time duration where content ofthe system information is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 46

The method of Example Embodiment 41, wherein, in the case where the SImessage acquisition process is terminated after the first number ofmodification periods, initiating acquisition of the first type systeminformation.

Example Embodiment 47

A method for a radio access node of a radio access network (RAN) thatcommunicates over a radio interface with a wireless terminal, the methodcomprising:

configuring the wireless terminal with a prescribed number oftransmission opportunities for a system information message, the numberof transmission opportunities indicating at least how many transmissionopportunities the radio access node is scheduling to transmit the SImessage;

transmitting system information (SI) to the wireless terminal for theprescribed number of transmission opportunities.

Example Embodiment 48

The method of Example Embodiment 47, further comprising:

transmitting first type system information (SI) to the wirelessterminal, the first type SI comprising:

-   -   availability of second type SI messages, a second type SI        message comprising at least one system information block (SIB);    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the second type SI        messages, the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand        basis;    -   the prescribed number of transmission opportunities, the        prescribed number of transmission opportunities being for at        least one second type message, the number of transmission        opportunities indicating at least how many transmission        opportunities the radio access node is scheduling to transmit        the SI message from the time of the transmission of the first        type SI;

receiving an SI request message to request at least one second type SImessage;

configuring the wireless terminal via the first type SI the prescribednumber of transmission opportunities for at least one second typemessage, the prescribed number of transmission opportunities indicatingat least how many transmission opportunities the radio access node isscheduling to transmit the SI message from the time of the transmissionof the first type SI.

Example Embodiment 49

The method of Example Embodiment 48, wherein, in the case where thedelivery method is broadcast for the second type SI message, theprescribed number of transmission opportunities indicates remainingtransmission opportunities for a corresponding SI message.

Example Embodiment 50

The method of Example Embodiment 48 wherein the prescribed number oftransmission opportunities is updated at each time of first type SItransmission.

Example Embodiment 51

The method of Example Embodiment 47, wherein the prescribed number oftransmission opportunities is a number of SI windows, an SI windowsbeing defined as a time window designated for a SI message.

Example Embodiment 52

The method of Example Embodiment 47, wherein the prescribed number oftransmission opportunities is a number of modification boundaries, themodification period being a preconfigured time duration where content ofthe system information is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 53

A wireless terminal that communicates over a radio interface with aradio access node of a radio access network (RAN), the wireless terminalcomprising:

receiver circuitry configured to receive first type system information(SI) from the radio access node, the first type SI comprising:

-   -   availability of second type SI messages, a second type SI        message comprising at least one system information block (SIB);    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the second type SI        messages, the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand        basis;

transmitter circuitry configured to transmit an SI request message torequest at least one second type SI message indicated as on-demanddelivery in a case where the delivery mode of the second type SI messageis on-demand;

processor circuitry configured to:

-   -   after receiving from the radio access node an acknowledgement        for the SI request message and before performing an SI message        acquisition process, wait for a time duration specified by an        offset value;    -   perform an SI message acquisition process.

Example Embodiment 54

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 53, wherein the offset valueis preconfigured.

Example Embodiment 55

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 53, wherein the offset valueis configured by the radio access node via the first type SI.

Example Embodiment 56

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 53, wherein the offset valueis a number of SI windows, an SI windows being defined as a time windowdesignated for a SI message.

Example Embodiment 57

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 53, wherein the offset valueis a number of modification periods, the modification period being apreconfigured time duration where the content of the first type andsecond type SI is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 58

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 53, wherein the offset valueis a time period.

Example Embodiment 59

A method for a wireless terminal that communicates over a radiointerface with a radio access node of a radio access network (RAN),comprising:

receiving first type system information (SI) from the radio access node,the first type SI comprising:

-   -   availability of second type SI messages, a second type SI        message comprising at least one system information block (SIB);    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the second type SI        messages, the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand        basis;

transmitting an SI request message to request at least one second typeSI message indicated as on-demand delivery in a case where the deliverymode of the second type SI message is on-demand;

after receiving from the radio access node an acknowledgement for the SIrequest message and before performing an SI message acquisition process,waiting for a time duration specified by an offset value, and;

performing an SI message acquisition process.

Example Embodiment 60

The method of Example Embodiment 59, wherein the offset value ispreconfigured.

Example Embodiment 61

The method of Example Embodiment 59, wherein the offset value isconfigured by the radio access node via the first type SI.

Example Embodiment 62

The method of Example Embodiment 59, wherein the offset value is anumber of SI windows, an SI windows being defined as a time windowdesignated for a SI message.

Example Embodiment 63

The method of Example Embodiment 59, wherein the offset value is anumber of modification periods, the modification period being apreconfigured time duration where the content of the first type andsecond type SI is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 64

The method of Example Embodiment 59 wherein the offset value is a timeperiod.

Example Embodiment 65

A radio access node of a radio access network (RAN) that communicatesover a radio interface with a wireless terminal, the radio access nodecomprising:

transmitter circuitry configured to transmit first type systeminformation (SI) to the wireless terminal, the first type SI comprising:

-   -   availability of second type SI messages, a second type SI        message comprising at least one system information block (SIB);    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the second type SI        messages, the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand        basis;

receiver circuitry configured to receive an SI request message torequest at least one second type SI message;

processor circuitry configured to configure the wireless terminal viathe first type SI message with an offset value, the offset valueinstructing the wireless terminal to wait for a time duration specifiedby an offset value after the wireless terminal receiving from the radioaccess node an acknowledgement for the SI request message and before thewireless terminal performing an SI message acquisition process.

Example Embodiment 66

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 65, wherein the offset valueis a number of SI windows, an SI windows being defined as a time windowdesignated for a SI message.

Example Embodiment 67

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 65, wherein the offset valueis a number of modification periods, the modification period being apreconfigured time duration where the content of the first type andsecond type SI is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 68

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 65, wherein the offset valueis a time period.

Example Embodiment 69

A method for a radio access node of a radio access network (RAN) thatcommunicates over a radio interface with a wireless terminal,comprising:

transmitting first type system information (SI) to the wirelessterminal, the first type SI comprising:

-   -   availability of second type SI messages, a second type SI        message comprising at least one system information block (SIB);    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the second type SI        messages, the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand        basis;

receiving an SI request message to request at least one second type SImessage;

configuring the wireless terminal via the first type SI message with anoffset value, the offset value instructing the wireless terminal to waitfor a time duration specified by an offset value after the wirelessterminal receives from the radio access node an acknowledgement for theSI request message and before the wireless terminal performs an SImessage acquisition process.

Example Embodiment 70

The method of Example Embodiment 69, wherein the offset value is anumber of SI windows, an SI windows being defined as a time windowdesignated for a SI message.

Example Embodiment 71

The method of Example Embodiment 69, wherein the offset value is anumber of modification periods, the modification period being apreconfigured time duration where the content of the first type andsecond type SI is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 72

The method of Example Embodiment 69, wherein the offset value is a timeperiod.

Example Embodiment 73

A wireless terminal that communicates over a radio interface with aradio access node of a radio access network (RAN), the wireless terminalcomprising:

receiver circuitry configured to receive a first type system information(SI) block (SIB), the first type SIB comprising:

-   -   availability and scheduling information of SI message(s), each        of the SI message(s) comprising at least one second type SIB;    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the SI message(s),        the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand basis,        and;    -   a number of transmission opportunities allowed for an SI message        acquisition process to acquire an SI message;

processor circuitry configured to perform the SI message acquisitionprocess, wherein;

the SI message acquisition process is terminated after the number oftransmission opportunities consumed for the SI message acquisitionprocess without a successful reception of the SI message.

Example Embodiment 74

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 73, wherein the transmissionopportunities comprise modification periods, a modification period beinga preconfigured time duration where the content of the systeminformation is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 75

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 73, wherein the transmissionopportunities comprise SI windows, the SI windows being periodicallyoccurring time domain windows, in each of the SI windows the SI messagebeing transmitted.

Example Embodiment 76

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 73, wherein, in a case thatthe delivery mode of the SI message is on-demand basis, the number oftransmission opportunities indicates the maximum number of transmissionopportunities that the wireless terminal can use for the SI messageacquisition process after requesting the SI message.

Example Embodiment 77

The wireless terminal of Example Embodiment 73, wherein, in a case thatthe delivery mode of the SI message is broadcast, the number oftransmission opportunities indicates the maximum number of transmissionopportunities that the wireless terminal can use for the SI messageacquisition process after receiving the first type SIB.

Example Embodiment 78

A radio access node of a radio access network (RAN) that communicatesover a radio interface with a wireless terminal, the radio access nodecomprising:

transmitter circuitry configured to transmit a first type systeminformation (SI) block (SIB), the first type SIB comprising:

-   -   availability and scheduling information of SI message(s), each        of the SI message(s) comprising at least one second type SIB;    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the SI message(s),        the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand basis,        and;    -   a number of transmission opportunities for an SI message        acquisition process to acquire an SI message;

processor circuitry configured to generate an SI message, and;

the transmitter circuitry further configured to transmit the SI messagebased on the indication of the delivery mode for the SI message and thenumber of transmission opportunities, wherein;

the number of transmission opportunities indicates the maximum number oftransmission opportunities that the wireless terminal can use for the SImessage acquisition process.

Example Embodiment 79

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 78, wherein the transmissionopportunities comprise modification periods, a modification period beinga preconfigured time duration where the content of the systeminformation is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 80

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 78, wherein the transmissionopportunities comprise SI windows, the SI windows being periodicallyoccurring time domain windows, in each of the SI windows the SI messagebeing transmitted.

Example Embodiment 81

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 78, wherein, in a case thatthe delivery mode of the SI message is on-demand basis, the number oftransmission opportunities indicates the maximum number of transmissionopportunities that the wireless terminal can use for the SI messageacquisition process after the wireless terminal requests the SI message.

Example Embodiment 82

The radio access node of Example Embodiment 78, wherein, in a case thatthe delivery mode of the SI message is broadcast, the number oftransmission opportunities indicates the maximum number of transmissionopportunities that the wireless terminal can use for the SI messageacquisition process after the wireless terminal receives the first typeSIB.

Example Embodiment 83

A method for a wireless terminal that communicates over a radiointerface with a radio access node of a radio access network (RAN), themethod comprising:

receiving a first type system information (SI) block (SIB), the firsttype SIB comprising:

-   -   availability and scheduling information of SI message(s), each        of the SI message(s) comprising at least one second type SIB;    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the SI message(s),        the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand basis,        and;    -   a number of transmission opportunities allowed for an SI message        acquisition process to acquire an SI message;

performing an SI message acquisition process, wherein;

the SI message acquisition process is terminated after the number oftransmission opportunities consumed for the SI message acquisitionprocess without a successful reception of the SI message.

Example Embodiment 84

The method of Example Embodiment 83, wherein the transmissionopportunities comprise modification periods, a modification period beinga preconfigured time duration where the content of the systeminformation is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 85

The method of Example Embodiment 83, wherein the transmissionopportunities comprise SI windows, the SI windows being periodicallyoccurring time domain windows, in each of the SI windows the SI messagebeing transmitted.

Example Embodiment 86

The method of Example Embodiment 83, wherein, in a case that thedelivery mode of the SI message is on-demand basis, the number oftransmission opportunities indicates the maximum number of transmissionopportunities that the wireless terminal can use for the SI messageacquisition process after requesting the SI message.

Example Embodiment 87

The method of Example Embodiment 83, wherein, in a case that thedelivery mode of the SI message is broadcast, the number of transmissionopportunities indicates the maximum number of transmission opportunitiesthat the wireless terminal can use for the SI message acquisitionprocess after receiving the first type SIB.

Example Embodiment 88

A method for a radio access node of a radio access network (RAN) thatcommunicates over a radio interface with a wireless terminal,comprising:

transmitting a first type system information (SI) block (SIB), the firsttype SIB comprising:

-   -   availability and scheduling information of SI message(s), each        of the SI message(s) comprising at least one second type SIB;    -   an indication of a delivery mode for each of the SI message(s),        the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand basis,        and;    -   a number of transmission opportunities for an SI message        acquisition process to acquire an SI message;

generating an SI message, and;

further transmitting the SI message based on the indication of thedelivery mode for the SI message and the number of transmissionopportunities, wherein;

the number of transmission opportunities indicates the maximum number oftransmission opportunities that the wireless terminal can use for the SImessage acquisition process.

Example Embodiment 89

The method of Example Embodiment 88, wherein the transmissionopportunities comprise modification periods, a modification period beinga preconfigured time duration where the content of the systeminformation is unchanged.

Example Embodiment 90

The method of Example Embodiment 88, wherein the transmissionopportunities comprise SI windows, the SI windows being periodicallyoccurring time domain windows, in each of the SI windows the SI messagebeing transmitted.

Example Embodiment 91

The method of Example Embodiment 88, wherein, in a case that thedelivery mode of the SI message is on-demand basis, the number oftransmission opportunities indicates the maximum number of transmissionopportunities that the wireless terminal can use for the SI messageacquisition process after the wireless terminal requests the SI message.

Example Embodiment 92

The method of Example Embodiment 88, wherein, in a case that thedelivery mode of the SI message is broadcast, the number of transmissionopportunities indicates the maximum number of transmission opportunitiesthat the wireless terminal can use for the SI message acquisitionprocess after the wireless terminal receives the first type SIB.

Although the processes and methods of the disclosed embodiments may bediscussed as being implemented as a software routine, some of the methodsteps that are disclosed therein may be performed in hardware as well asby a processor running software. As such, the embodiments may beimplemented in software as executed upon a computer system, in hardwareas an application specific integrated circuit or other type of hardwareimplementation, or a combination of software and hardware. The softwareroutines of the disclosed embodiments are capable of being executed onany computer operating system, and is capable of being performed usingany CPU architecture. The instructions of such software are stored onnon-transient computer readable media.

The functions of the various elements including functional blocks,including but not limited to those labeled or described as “computer”,“processor” or “controller”, may be provided through the use of hardwaresuch as circuit hardware and/or hardware capable of executing softwarein the form of coded instructions stored on computer readable medium.Thus, such functions and illustrated functional blocks are to beunderstood as being either hardware-implemented and/orcomputer-implemented, and thus machine-implemented.

In terms of hardware implementation, the functional blocks may includeor encompass, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP)hardware, reduced instruction set processor, hardware (e.g., digital oranalog) circuitry including but not limited to application specificintegrated circuit(s) [ASIC], and/or field programmable gate array(s)(FPGA(s)), and (where appropriate) state machines capable of performingsuch functions.

In terms of computer implementation, a computer is generally understoodto comprise one or more processors or one or more controllers, and theterms computer and processor and controller may be employedinterchangeably herein. When provided by a computer or processor orcontroller, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated computeror processor or controller, by a single shared computer or processor orcontroller, or by a plurality of individual computers or processors orcontrollers, some of which may be shared or distributed. Moreover, useof the term “processor” or “controller” shall also be construed to referto other hardware capable of performing such functions and/or executingsoftware, such as the example hardware recited above.

The functions of the various elements including functional blocks,including but not limited to those labeled or described as “computer”,“processor” or “controller”, may be provided through the use of hardwaresuch as circuit hardware and/or hardware capable of executing softwarein the form of coded instructions stored on computer readable medium.Thus, such functions and illustrated functional blocks are to beunderstood as being either hardware-implemented and/orcomputer-implemented, and thus machine-implemented.

Nodes that communicate using the air interface also have suitable radiocommunications circuitry. Moreover, the technology can additionally beconsidered to be embodied entirely within any form of computer-readablememory, such as solid-state memory, magnetic disk, or optical diskcontaining an appropriate set of computer instructions that would causea processor to carry out the techniques described herein.

It will be appreciated that the technology disclosed herein is directedto solving radio communications-centric issues and is necessarily rootedin computer technology and overcomes problems specifically arising inradio communications. Moreover, in at least one of its aspects thetechnology disclosed herein improves the functioning of the basicfunction of a wireless terminal and/or node itself so that, for example,the wireless terminal and/or node can operate more effectively byprudent use of radio resources.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the technology disclosedherein but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presentlypreferred embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. Thus the scopeof the technology disclosed herein should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciatedthat the scope of the technology disclosed herein fully encompassesother embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art,and that the scope of the technology disclosed herein is accordingly tobe limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which referenceto an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one”unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural,chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of theabove-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinaryskill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and areintended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is notnecessary for a device or method to address each and every problemsought to be solved by the technology disclosed herein, for it to beencompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component,or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated tothe public regardless of whether the element, component, or method stepis explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to beconstrued under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unlessthe element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless terminal that communicates over aradio interface with a radio access node of a radio access network(RAN), the wireless terminal comprising: receiver circuitry configuredto receive a first type system information (SI) block (SIB), the firsttype SIB comprising: availability and scheduling information of SImessage(s), each of the SI message(s) comprising at least one secondtype SIB; an indication of a delivery mode for each of the SImessage(s), the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demand basis,and; a number of transmission opportunities allowed for an SI messageacquisition process to acquire an SI message; processor circuitryconfigured to perform the SI message acquisition process, wherein; theSI message acquisition process is terminated after the number oftransmission opportunities consumed for the SI message acquisitionprocess without a successful reception of the SI message.
 2. Thewireless terminal of claim 1, wherein the transmission opportunitiescomprise modification periods, a modification period being apreconfigured time duration where the content of the system informationis unchanged.
 3. The wireless terminal of claim 1, wherein thetransmission opportunities comprise SI windows, the SI windows beingperiodically occurring time domain windows, in each of the SI windowsthe SI message being transmitted.
 4. The wireless terminal of claim 1,wherein, in a case that the delivery mode of the SI message is on-demandbasis, the number of transmission opportunities indicates the maximumnumber of transmission opportunities that the wireless terminal can usefor the SI message acquisition process after requesting the SI message.5. The wireless terminal of claim 1, wherein, in a case that thedelivery mode of the SI message is broadcast, the number of transmissionopportunities indicates the maximum number of transmission opportunitiesthat the wireless terminal can use for the SI message acquisitionprocess after receiving the first type SIB.
 6. A radio access node of aradio access network (RAN) that communicates over a radio interface witha wireless terminal, the radio access node comprising: transmittercircuitry configured to transmit a first type system information (SI)block (SIB), the first type SIB comprising: availability and schedulinginformation of SI message(s), each of the SI message(s) comprising atleast one second type SIB; an indication of a delivery mode for each ofthe SI message(s), the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demandbasis, and; a number of transmission opportunities for an SI messageacquisition process to acquire an SI message; processor circuitryconfigured to generate an SI message, and; the transmitter circuitryfurther configured to transmit the SI message based on the indication ofthe delivery mode for the SI message and the number of transmissionopportunities, wherein; the number of transmission opportunitiesindicates the maximum number of transmission opportunities that thewireless terminal can use for the SI message acquisition process.
 7. Theradio access node of claim 6, wherein the transmission opportunitiescomprise modification periods, a modification period being apreconfigured time duration where the content of the system informationis unchanged.
 8. The radio access node of claim 6, wherein thetransmission opportunities comprise SI windows, the SI windows beingperiodically occurring time domain windows, in each of the SI windowsthe SI message being transmitted.
 9. The radio access node of claim 6,wherein, in a case that the delivery mode of the SI message is on-demandbasis, the number of transmission opportunities indicates the maximumnumber of transmission opportunities that the wireless terminal can usefor the SI message acquisition process after the wireless terminalrequests the SI message.
 10. The radio access node of claim 6, wherein,in a case that the delivery mode of the SI message is broadcast, thenumber of transmission opportunities indicates the maximum number oftransmission opportunities that the wireless terminal can use for the SImessage acquisition process after the wireless terminal receives thefirst type SIB.
 11. A method for a wireless terminal that communicatesover a radio interface with a radio access node of a radio accessnetwork (RAN), the method comprising: receiving a first type systeminformation (SI) block (SIB), the first type SIB comprising:availability and scheduling information of SI message(s), each of the SImessage(s) comprising at least one second type SIB; an indication of adelivery mode for each of the SI message(s), the delivery mode beingeither broadcast or on-demand basis, and; a number of transmissionopportunities allowed for an SI message acquisition process to acquirean SI message; performing an SI message acquisition process, wherein;the SI message acquisition process is terminated after the number oftransmission opportunities consumed for the SI message acquisitionprocess without a successful reception of the SI message.
 12. The methodof claim 11, wherein the transmission opportunities comprisemodification periods, a modification period being a preconfigured timeduration where the content of the system information is unchanged. 13.The method of claim 11, wherein the transmission opportunities compriseSI windows, the SI windows being periodically occurring time domainwindows, in each of the SI windows the SI message being transmitted. 14.The method of claim 11, wherein, in a case that the delivery mode of theSI message is on-demand basis, the number of transmission opportunitiesindicates the maximum number of transmission opportunities that thewireless terminal can use for the SI message acquisition process afterrequesting the SI message.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein, in acase that the delivery mode of the SI message is broadcast, the numberof transmission opportunities indicates the maximum number oftransmission opportunities that the wireless terminal can use for the SImessage acquisition process after receiving the first type SIB.
 16. Amethod for a radio access node of a radio access network (RAN) thatcommunicates over a radio interface with a wireless terminal,comprising: transmitting a first type system information (SI) block(SIB), the first type SIB comprising: availability and schedulinginformation of SI message(s), each of the SI message(s) comprising atleast one second type SIB; an indication of a delivery mode for each ofthe SI message(s), the delivery mode being either broadcast or on-demandbasis, and; a number of transmission opportunities for an SI messageacquisition process to acquire an SI message; generating an SI message,and; further transmitting the SI message based on the indication of thedelivery mode for the SI message and the number of transmissionopportunities, wherein; the number of transmission opportunitiesindicates the maximum number of transmission opportunities that thewireless terminal can use for the SI message acquisition process. 17.The method of claim 16, wherein the transmission opportunities comprisemodification periods, a modification period being a preconfigured timeduration where the content of the system information is unchanged. 18.The method of claim 16, wherein the transmission opportunities compriseSI windows, the SI windows being periodically occurring time domainwindows, in each of the SI windows the SI message being transmitted. 19.The method of claim 16, wherein, in a case that the delivery mode of theSI message is on-demand basis, the number of transmission opportunitiesindicates the maximum number of transmission opportunities that thewireless terminal can use for the SI message acquisition process afterthe wireless terminal requests the SI message.
 20. The method of claim16, wherein, in a case that the delivery mode of the SI message isbroadcast, the number of transmission opportunities indicates themaximum number of transmission opportunities that the wireless terminalcan use for the SI message acquisition process after the wirelessterminal receives the first type SIB.